Halifax Panthers stripped of RFL membership as Championship crisis deepens
Halifax Panthers have been stripped of their RFL membership following their compulsory liquidation, plunging the Championship deeper into crisis.
The Panthers were hit with a winding-up order at a High Court hearing on Monday after a long-running dispute with HMRC.
Now, the Rugby Football League has refused a request to transfer the club's membership to a new company.
This weekend's game against Sheffield Eagles has been postponed and Halifax, whose entire squad have become free agents, face a fight to resume their Championship campaign.
The club's collapse is the latest in a string of troubling developments in the sport, with Featherstone Rovers, Salford Red Devils and Oldham all experiencing significant financial difficulties.
While Salford returned as a phoenix club, Featherstone have been forced to sit out the 2026 season after falling into administration and failing in their bid to make the start line under a new consortium.
"The Rugby Football League can confirm Halifax Panthers have today had their RFL membership removed," read a statement from the governing body.
"The club was placed into compulsory liquidation in a High Court hearing on Monday.
"Halifax’s home fixture with Sheffield Eagles on Sunday has been postponed.
"The RFL is committed to preserving professional rugby league in the town and will continue working with interested parties to fulfil this."