Widnes Vikings feared to be on verge of administration

Administrators are expected to take over rugby league side Widnes Vikings tomorrow (Friday, February 22).

Earlier today the struggling club confirmed that Sunday’s home fixture against Sheffield Eagles had been postponed, after insisting two days ago that it would go ahead, despite a last minute takeover deal collapsing.

The club said on Tuesday: “Widnes Vikings continue to trade and, at this stage, our scheduled fixture against Sheffield Eagles will be unaffected by these challenges.”

However, today it said: “Whilst discussions are ongoing with regards to ensuring the club’s survival, it was felt appropriate to postpone this weekend’s Betfred Championship fixture against Sheffield Eagles, which has been done in conjunction with the Sheffield club.”

Widnes said it would make no further comment.

However, the BBC is reporting that the club is expected to enter administration tomorrow, the second time it has done so, which will result in a 12-point deduction.

Earlier this week it was reported that the club would be unable to pay staff after the proposed takeover deal fell through.

But it is understood that the Vikings have received next month’s central distribution money from the Rugby Football League early, allowing its staff and players to be paid.

On Tuesday the club said it had appeared that a consortium of investors would take ownership of the Vikings and provide the investment needed to secure stability.

However, it announced that “at a late stage”, a key member of the proposed takeover consortium withdrew from the process, leading to its collapse.

The Vikings were relegated from Super League last season after seven years in the top tier.

So far, the club has won two and lost one of its three league fixtures this season.

If the club enters administration it is feared that it could lose its top players if administrators decided to sell talent to balance the books.