Halifax Panthers future at 'immediate risk' as club reveal extent of financial difficulties

The Panthers have been unable to fully pay their players, coaching team and staff amid a worsening situation.

Fax have attributed their financial difficulties to a "perfect storm", including low crowds and the loss of income from sponsors and consortium members.

"As a club, and not for the first time in our history, we find ourselves facing a challenging financial situation," read an open letter from interim chairman Lee Kenny.

"Despite the efforts of our shareholders and directors, who have invested nearly £700,000, the current financial environment means we urgently need additional donations or access to capital to ensure we continue to move forward.

"It’s been a perfect storm that’s brought us here. Several of our sponsor companies have gone into administration, some of the original consortium members are no longer able to contribute as they once did, and the general financial uncertainty in the country, combined with smaller crowds, has left a large hole in our budget. Just last week, we were expecting a six-figure boost to our income, only to see it withdrawn at the very last moment.

"As you’d expect from a professional club, our biggest expenses are payroll and taxation. We reached out to HMRC for an extension and time to pay, something that has been granted to other clubs recently, including ourselves in the past. However, instead of receiving this extension, we’ve been issued an official “order to pay” which is due early next week. If we are unable to meet this demand, the future of the club will be at immediate risk.

"This situation has also affected our ability to fully pay our dedicated players, coaching team, and staff this week. I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank them for their understanding and apologise for the delay. We are working hard to ensure the remainder of the payments are made next week."

The Panthers have called for fans to boost the attendance for Sunday's home game against Dewsbury Rams, stating that an extra 1,000 supporters would add over £15,000 to the coffers.

Fax are also asking for sponsors, donations and loan offers, with full details provided here.