Aston Villa agrees deal with taxman
Aston Villa has reached an agreement with HMRC to pay its outstanding tax bill, of more than £4m, as the sense of panic around the football club eased slightly.
On Tuesday, the club suspended chief executive Keith Wyness at the same time as news of a potential winding-up order from the taxman emerged.
With the club facing major problems to meet its financial fair play obligations having failed to win promotion to the Premier League, and with owner Dr Tony Xia reported to be having problems getting money out of China to plug holes in its cashflow, there were battles being fought on several fronts.
In a statement, the club sought to ease fans’ fears about its immediate problems.
It said: “Aston Villa Football Club can confirm that an agreement has been reached with HMRC and the club will continue to fulfil its obligations.
“The club can also announce that there are no insolvency practitioners or administration advisors working with the club.
“Owner and chairman Dr Tony Xia would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank supporters during this difficult and unsettling time and reassure them plans are now being put in place to move the club forward.”
Dr Tony Xia, who is currently fulfilling the roles of owner, chairman and chief executive while in China, returned to Twitter for the first time in nine days to issue his own direct message.
It has been very difficult 2weeks as I hinted earlier I was almost heartbroken by something.Tried my best to keep beloved AV move forward. Thanks for all ppl standing together going through the difficult time. It was all supporters’ encouraging words to keep me/us stronger. #UTV
— Dr. Tony Xia (@Dr_TonyXia) June 7, 2018
The Championship club faces a difficult summer as it deals with off-field issues, including the possibility of a takeover, while restructuring its well-paid squad to balance the books.
