Pompey hit back at UK taxman

The financial future of Portsmouth remains unclear despite the club denying they have been formally served with a winding-up petition.

A club statement insisted they were surprised by the actions of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs in issuing the petition, which they claim is in respect of “VAT, PAYE and National Insurance contributions which either have been, or are about to be, paid, or are disputed”.

The club also claim they are disputing the amount of VAT outstanding and expect the HMRC to withdraw their demands.

Had the petition been served, Pompey would have faced a court hearing in February, but a question mark still remains over their troubled finances, which have twice seen players paid late.

A statement released by the club read: “Portsmouth Football club has not been formally served with a winding-up petition and is shocked and surprised this action has been taken in respect of VAT, PAYE and National Insurance contributions which either have been, or are about to be, paid, or are disputed.

“The club is disputing the VAT amount outstanding and has formally notified HMRC of this. We expect HMRC to withdraw their demands forthwith.

“Otherwise, we anticipate a hearing being held in early January, during which we will request that the High Court order HMRC to withdraw their demands.

“Since the takeover by Ali Al Faraj in October 2009, extreme efforts have been made to reach payment arrangements with HMRC to allow the owner time to deal with inherited debt.

“To date, the new owner has injected a total of £9.7m (€10.8m) of new funds to HMRC – £5.7m (€6.4m) paid and security to the value of £4m (€4.4m).

“In such a tough economic environment, the club finds it hard to understand this action by HMRC.

“It is well known that the business has been in a difficult position following former owners’ decisions and the current owner is committed to resolving this and moving forward.”

Bottom side Pompey are currently operating under a transfer embargo due to their financial problems.

A Premier League spokesman said: “We continue to monitor Portsmouth’s situation closely and remain in frequent dialogue with the club. Clearly, we hope they settle any issues they have with the HMRC before the court hearing in February.”

Portsmouth have endured a traumatic year in 2009.

A bid from Sulaiman Al Fahim was accepted in May and he completed his takeover in August.

At the start of October the club admitted failing to pay players’ wages on time and on October 5 Al Fahim sold 90% of his Portsmouth shares to Al Faraj.

Earlier this month, the club confirmed players’ wages had been delayed again.

On the pitch, Paul Hart was sacked on November 24 and two days later Avram Grant succeeded him as manager.

Former Pompey owner Sacha Gaydamak, who claims he is owed at least £28m (€31m) by the club, told the Guardian: “I join in the frustration of the supporters and I would like to know who the ultimate beneficial owner is, what plans they have for the future and if I am to be paid.”