Can Salford Overcome the 14-Day Winding-Up Petition Challenge?

The Salford Red Devils have faced significant turmoil in recent months, culminating in protests from fans against the club's ownership as they finished at the bottom of this year's Super League. A winding-up petition against the club has been adjourned multiple times as they struggle with financial issues, including a tax bill owed to HMRC, and have lost their place in the top flight for the 2026 season.

Last updated: 15 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Salford Red Devils are in a precarious situation as they deal with ongoing financial instability. The club's winding-up petition has been adjourned for the third time to allow for the securing of funds. Their performance during the 2025 Super League season has been dismal, leading to a bottom-place finish and relegation. The turmoil has prompted fan protests and a growing sense of urgency for a resolution.

Key takeaways

Salford Red Devils have been relegated from the Super League after finishing last.
Fan protests against the owners have intensified amidst ongoing financial troubles.
The club's winding-up petition has now been adjourned three times.

Timeline: how we got here

The situation for Salford Red Devils has escalated over the past year. Here are some key dates and events:

June 2023: The winding-up petition is first adjourned as the club seeks a bridging loan to pay off a tax bill.
September 2023: A second adjournment occurs as the club struggles to find financial stability amidst ongoing issues.
15 October 2023: The third adjournment is granted as the club continues to search for necessary funds.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The latest developments include the continued adjournment of the winding-up petition and ongoing fan protests. As of now, there are no concrete updates regarding funding or ownership changes.

What was already established

Prior to this week, Salford Red Devils had been struggling significantly throughout the 2025 season, facing issues like delayed wages, a mass exodus of players, and a series of heavy defeats, including a historic 82-0 loss to St Helens.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

Fans are feeling the impact of the club's instability, with many concerned about the future of their beloved team. The uncertainty around the club's finances could affect local businesses that rely on matchday revenues.

Businesses and jobs

With the club's financial issues, there are implications for employment within the organisation. The departure of key personnel, including the chief executive and assistant coach, reflects the instability that could affect job security for many staff members.

Policy and regulation

The Rugby Football League (RFL) may need to intervene further, especially with discussions about potentially allowing a phoenix club from Salford to enter the Championship. The outcomes of these discussions may significantly alter the landscape of rugby league in the UK.

Numbers that matter

£500,000: Estimated amount owed to HMRC, leading to the winding-up petition.
82-0: The scoreline of Salford's record-breaking defeat to St Helens.
3: Number of times the winding-up petition has been adjourned.

Definitions and jargon buster

Winding-up petition: A legal process initiated to close a company that cannot pay its debts.
HMRC: His Majesty's Revenue and Customs, the UK tax authority responsible for collecting taxes.
Phoenix club: A new club formed from the remnants of a previous club, often following financial collapse.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Fans and stakeholders will be watching closely for any updates on funding and ownership changes. The club's management must act quickly to secure financial resolutions to avoid further turmoil.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the situation unfolds, the club may need to focus on rebuilding its reputation and potentially restructuring its business model to ensure sustainability.

Signals to watch

Updates from the RFL regarding the winding-up petition and any potential intervention.
News on any new investors or ownership changes.
Performance in the Championship if a phoenix club is allowed to compete.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about club updates through official communications.
Support local businesses that rely on matchday revenues.
Engage with community discussions about the future of the club.

Don’t

Don’t ignore the potential for a phoenix club to emerge.
Don’t assume the current ownership will remain unchanged.
Don’t overlook the importance of financial support from the community.

Checklist

Check for updates on the club's financial situation.
Monitor social media for fan organisation initiatives.
Attend community meetings discussing the club’s future.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The ongoing situation is fluid, and many factors could change rapidly. The club's financial situation remains uncertain, and any potential investors have yet to be confirmed. Additionally, discussions with the RFL could lead to unforeseen outcomes that impact the club's future.

Bottom line

Salford Red Devils are at a critical juncture, facing significant challenges both on and off the field. The outcome of their financial struggles will determine the club's future and the support of their fanbase will be crucial in navigating this turbulent period.

FAQs

What is the current status of Salford Red Devils?

Salford Red Devils are currently facing financial turmoil, with a winding-up petition adjourned for the third time as they seek funding to address debts, including tax obligations to HMRC.

Why are fans protesting against the club's ownership?

Fans are protesting due to ongoing financial issues, poor performance on the field, and concerns regarding the management and future of the club.

What does relegation mean for Salford Red Devils?

Relegation means that Salford Red Devils will not compete in the Super League for the next season, which could have significant financial and operational implications for the club.