Bradford Bulls have confirmed that they have been put into administration.
Their latest administration, a third since 2012, comes after an ongoing dispute with HMRC.
Tax officials requested that the club was wound up two weeks ago, after claiming that £350,000 was unaccounted for, but the club claimed the figure to be around £133,000.
It leaves the club’s future in serious doubt, with growing fears over their finances.
Chairman Marc Green, who also took the club into administration in 2014, has said he is looking to resolve the situation in the “shortest practicable time frame.”
Should the club overcome their latest troubles, they would still face a six-point penalty in the Championship.
“I have been talking to a number of serious investors and purely the pressure from HMRC has forced the club to be put into this position to save its future,” explained chairman Marc Green.
“There is a dispute between ourselves and HMRC which we have been working hard to resolve since the winding up petition was issued and despite two adjournments from the courts to resolve this matter we have been unable to do so. We were concerned over the ability to secure a third adjournment and therefore this action became unavoidable to protect the club.
“I will be working closely with the Administrators over the coming weeks and it is my intention to regain this club from them within the shortest practicable time frame.”
He further stated: “Regardless of whether I remain at the helm of this great club, I will ensure all memberships already purchased for next season will remain valid, as will the offer under which they were purchased. I believe the future of Bradford Bulls is still strong.”
The RFL released a statement following the revelation describing the situation as “undoubtedly painful.”
It reads: “We have been communicating closely with Bradford Bulls and we are aware of the decision to place the club into administration.
“It is undoubtedly a painful and uncertain time for supporters, players and employees. In these circumstances the RFL will always seek to support a club in difficulty for the sake of those directly affected and also on behalf of the Chairmen and Boards of well managed clubs who deserve stability.
“Any decision regarding membership of the RFL and possible sporting sanctions will be made in due course and are at the discretion of the RFL Board.”
