The historic Salford Red Devils rugby league club has been forcibly wound up in a specialist companies court, bringing a sudden and dramatic end to its 152-year existence.
A One-Minute Hearing Seals Club's Fate
The club's demise was confirmed in a hearing lasting just one minute at the Insolvency and Companies Court. The case centred on an unpaid tax bill owed to His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC). The club had no legal representation present for the final hearing.
This legal action was first initiated in June 2025 and had been adjourned multiple times to allow the debt to be settled. Ultimately, no resolution was found, leading to the winding-up order on Wednesday, 3 December 2025.
Final Chapter After a Torrid Season
The court's decision marks the final chapter in a deeply troubled period for the club. Salford endured a disastrous 2025 Super League season, which was marred by repeated late payments of player wages and a failure to fulfil a fixture following a mass exodus of squad members.
This poor performance led to their relegation from the top-flight Super League to the second-tier Championship. Ironically, they had been scheduled to begin their 2026 Championship campaign with a home match against local rivals Oldham on 16 January.
Future Hopes and Immediate Consequences
In the wake of the liquidation, there is immediate hope for a revival. It is understood that supporters and local businesses are interested in forming a 'phoenix club' to immediately resurrect the Red Devils. This new entity could potentially take over the old club's fixtures in the Championship.
The Rugby Football League (RFL) acted swiftly following the court's verdict. An RFL spokesperson stated: “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.”
The liquidation of Salford Red Devils represents a profound loss for British rugby league, severing a community link that spanned three different centuries. All eyes now turn to the RFL board and potential investors to see if the club can rise from the ashes.
