More on AFCB’s winding up petition

It is not unusual for HMRC to issue winding up orders against football clubs, and not even unusual for them to issue winding up orders against AFCB.

The old club was under one for the whole of 1996, before falling into administration in 1997 and one was issued as recently as 2004 however this was subsequently withdrawn after the club reduced the arrears.

So what does this winding up petition mean for AFC Bournemouth?

Well presumably Jeff Mostyn and the Cherries board knew this was coming, hence the reason for filing the intent for administrators being filed on three separate occasions in recent weeks.

The court protection should prevent a winding up order being issued, however this is pretty clear evidence that their patience with the club is running out and will only deal with the situation for a very short period of time.

So what options does the club now have?

The club could go into administration, this would mean that HMRC would become just another unsecured creditor as they no longer have preferred status.

Or new investors come in and pay the HMRC bill, or the current board raise the funds to pay the bill.

If none of these happen and the winding up petition reaches court, the court may agree to an instalment deal, but this is only likely if they are convinced the club will be able to make the payments.