Crisis club Portsmouth have denied that they have been served with a winding-up petition by HM Revenue and Customs.
The news broke on Wednesday morning and appeared to represent the latest off-field setback for the Premier League's rock-bottom club, with the petition issued on 23rd December and a court hearing set for February.
Portsmouth are the subject of a Premier League transfer embargo due to unpaid fees to other clubs, while players and staff have twice experienced a delay in receiving their salaries during the current campaign.
But Portsmouth claim that they expect HMRC to withdraw its demands 'forthwith' regarding a VAT dispute and insist Ali Al Faraj, the club's third owner since the summer, is continually making efforts to reach payment agreements.
A statement on the club's official website read: "Portsmouth Football Club has not been formally served with a winding-up petition and is shocked and surprised this action has been taken in respect of VAT, PAYE and National Insurance Contributions which either have been, or are about to be paid, or are disputed.
"The club is disputing the VAT amount outstanding and has formally notified HMRC of this. We expect HMRC to withdraw their demands forthwith.
Inherited debt
"Otherwise we anticipate a hearing being held in early January 2010 during which we will request that the High Court order HMRC to withdraw their demands.
"Since the takeover by Ali Al Faraj in October 2009, extreme efforts have been made to reach payment arrangements with HMRC to allow the owner time to deal with inherited debt.
"To date the new owner has injected a total of £9.7m of new funds to HMRC - £5.7m paid and security to the value of £4m.
"In such a tough economic environment the club finds it hard to understand this action by HMRC.
"It is well known that the business has been in a difficult position following former owners' decisions and the current owner is committed to resolving this and moving forward."
A Premier League spokesman said: "We continue to monitor Portsmouth's situation closely and remain in frequent dialogue with the club.
"Clearly, we hope they settle any issues they have with the HMRC before the court hearing in February."
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528, ... 64,00.html
