London Irish have less than a week to get their house in order or else they risk being ejected from the English Premiership.
The RFU’s financial viability working group met on Wednesday to determine the next course of action after owner Mick Crossan only paid 50 per cent of the players and staff salaries for May.
It was initially agreed that the whole of their wages needed to be subsidised for the Exiles to be granted a week’s extension.
Employees step in
That condition was not met by the club but they have still been allowed extra time to complete their takeover at the request of the employees at Irish.
“It’s deeply frustrating for all the staff, players and fans that there have been months of multiple missed deadlines,” the RFU’s club financial viability working group chair Paula Carter said.
“We are extremely disappointed that the club has so far only funded 50 per cent of the staff and player wages. However, we have to respect the wishes of those most affected.
“The 4pm deadline on June 6 is final and we have added the stipulation that the club must also fulfil its contractual obligations to its employees by paying the May salaries in full.”
An American consortium is in talks to buy the club but little is known about them and doubts remain over proof of funding.
They now have until 4pm on Tuesday, June 6 to complete their purchase otherwise London Irish could be suspended from the Premiership.
Players reaction
No Exiles player has spoken at length on the current situation but prop Oliver Hoskins put a message on Twitter which said ‘believe’, suggesting that they have not given up hope of seeing the club rescued.
The Rugby Players’ Association also commented on the saga, releasing a statement on Wednesday night.
“Whilst we are disappointed that only 50 per cent of player and staff wages for May have now been paid, the wishes of the London Irish player group have been respected in terms of taking all possible action to facilitate the completion of the proposed takeover of London Irish Rugby Football Club,” it read.
“This has resulted in a seven-day extension to the RFU deadline. We have remained reasonable throughout this period in light of the various assurances that have been given to both the players and ourselves, and have given the club and its owner every opportunity to complete the necessary work.
“We now urge all parties concerned to complete the necessary work by the June 6 deadline as set out by the RFU.”
READ MORE: London Irish’s future hangs in the balance ahead of Tuesday deadline
The article London Irish fans told to ‘believe’ after club given stay of execution appeared first on Planetrugby.com.
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