Dons win court battle

Wimbledon have won the first round of their court battle against the Inland Revenue in England for the approval of music mogul Pete Winkelman’s takeover.

But the club could still face expulsion from the Football League unless the case is fully resolved before the beginning of next season.

Winkelman’s consortium received the backing of every other major creditor for its proposal in March, and the Revenue’s appeal was dismissed on today.

But the Dons could now be dragged into the Court of Appeal over the £1million owed to the Revenue from debts totalling £25m (€37m).

Joint administrators Andy Hosking and Nick Wood, partners in Grant Thornton, spelled out the continuing danger that situation would pose in a statement.

It read: “We are pleased with the decision of the court today to dismiss the Inland Revenue’s appeal against the voluntary arrangement (CVA).

“Together with the joint supervisors, we hope that this will be a big step forward towards restructuring the club’s affairs and allowing the consortium to finally take control.

“Nevertheless some additional issues remain to be resolved before the matter can be concluded, not least of which is the potential for an appeal against the court’s decision by the Inland Revenue.

“Should this be the case, the joint supervisors will request that any hearing is expedited, as the club is subject to an expulsion notice from the Football League, which will be enforced if the matter is not resolved prior to the commencement of the 2004-05 season.”

Wimbledon have been in administration all season, and were relegated to the Second Division after the sale of a number of players.