UK taxman expected to accept Pompey's administration

Portsmouth expect to be told today that Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs accept the club have entered administration legitimately.

Pompey have a nine-point deduction in the Barclays Premier League hanging over them for entering voluntary administration but the validity of Andrew Andronikou taking charge of their affairs was challenged by HMRC.

However, Andronikou said: “We had a very constructive meeting with HMRC on Tuesday and the company have provided a detailed analysis of its financial transactions with Portpin Limited, the chargeholder in this matter.

“HMRC should be now be satisfied that the said debenture is valid and according our appointment is valid. We are hoping this matter will be resolved shortly.”

The “constructive” meeting with HMRC was confirmed at the announcement of 85 redundancies, although chief executive Peter Storrie will remain in his job while the club attempt to find a buyer.