Salford Red Devils collapses into liquidation over unpaid tax bill
It brings to an end 152 years of history
Last updated 3rd Dec 2025
Salford Red Devils have been wound up at a specialist companies court.
The 152-year-old club's existence came to an end after a one-minute hearing relating to an unpaid tax bill due to His Majesty's Revenue and Customs.
Salford crashed out of Super League last season after a torrid campaign in which they repeatedly made late wage payments and failed to fulfil a fixture after a mass player exodus.
They were relegated to the second-tier Championship, and had been set to kick off the 2026 season with a home match against local rivals Oldham on January 16.
Supporters and businesses are understood to be interested in immediately ressurrecting the Red Devils as a 'phoenix club', and potentially fulfilling the old club's fixtures.
The case against Salford was initially brought in June and had been adjourned several times to allow allow an opportunity for the debt to be paid. The club was not represented in court.
An RFL spokesperson has confirmed the club has been expelled from the league:
"Following today's court decision, Salford Red Devils' membership of the RFL has been terminated with immediate effect.
"The RFL board will meet tomorrow, following which, detail on the process to new club ownership will be advised."
In a statement, the club says it's an 'emotional moment' for the remaining staff:
"We regret to inform stakeholders, supporters and partners that Salford Red Devils and its operating company, Salford City Reds (2013) Limited, have been subject to a winding-up petition filed by HMRC, and liquidation proceedings have now commenced.
"We, understand the gravity of this situation and the uncertainty this creates for everyone connected with the club.
"For the original club staff that remained up until this point, this is an incredibly emotional moment. Whilst there is sadness in seeing things come to this point, there is also a sense of relief that an extremely challenging period for the club has finally come to an end.
"We want to express our heartfelt thanks to all the fans who have stood by us through everything. Your passion and loyalty have meant the world to us. More than anything, we hope that the club’s proud name and history can live on and continue to represent the people of Salford."
"You can't liquidate loyalty"
In a lengthy statement posted to social media, fan group The 1873 said it's a "sad but predictable end".
"Today marks a new low in the long and storied history of rugby league in Salford.
"With that decision, the legal entity that carried our badge, our players, and our dreams through some of the sport's most memorable nights has now been ended. The name may have been written off the Companies Register - but the club, the spirit, and the soul of Salford Rugby League have not."
The group described today's outcome in the court as "long overdue", adding: "It is what the club needs to survive ... the truth is, this club has been brought to its knees before. And every single time, the people of Salford have been the ones to lift it back up."
"You cannot liquidate loyalty. You cannot dissolve devotion. You cannot wind up 152 years of history. The company may be gone, but Salford Rugby League is not a company - it's a cause. It's generations of families, lifelong friendships, and the stubborn belief that our small corner of the North deserves its place on the biggest stage. From the ashes of this failure, a rebirth is already beginning."
"Discussions are happening right now between credible parties - people who understand this city, who love this club, and who will build a new organisation worthy of its legacy. There will be a new structure. There will be a new direction. And there will be rugby league in Salford once again."