Worcester Warriors’ owners said a deal to sell the club is moving at a “rapid pace” and that they have three interested buyers after four local members of parliament urged the government to put the Premiership side into administration.
Co-owners Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham said the administration would have “disastrous implications” for the club, who are scheduled to play their first match of the season at London Irish on Saturday.
Worcester was served with a winding-up petition over unpaid tax, reportedly worth more than six million pounds ($6.94 million), in August and also owe 14 million pounds after taking out a long-term loan during the pandemic.
Worcestershire MPs Robin Walker, Harriett Baldwin, Rachel Maclean and Mark Garnier on Monday called on the Department for Culture Media & Sport to intervene and trigger administration.
“Avoiding administration is in the best interests of the club’s creditors, not to mention its players and staff,” Whittingham and Goldring said in a joint statement later on Monday.
“All three buyers are serious propositions and all the deals being considered would avoid the club going into administration. One of the buyers is moving at an especially rapid pace.”
Rugby Football Union (RFU) regulations state that a club placed in administration once the season has begun will be relegated for the following campaign.
Premiership Rugby said last week Worcester would be able to participate in the new season after assurances over the delayed payment of wages to players, coaches and staff.
“Pursuing a deal which includes payment to all creditors as well as working capital best serves the club and the local community,” said Whittingham and Goldring, who have co-owned the club since December 2018.
“Forcing Worcester Warriors into administration as these MPs have asked risks the club losing its players and staff, losing its P (Premiership) share, wiping off the debt owed to local businesses and to HMRC, and incurring severe RFU sanctions.”
