Salford Red Devils have issued a firm statement confirming the Super League club “will not close,” despite ongoing financial challenges that have placed the club under intense scrutiny this season.
The Rugby Football League (RFL) had previously described Salford’s financial situation as “damaging and draining for the sport,” noting that the alternative to approving an ownership takeover earlier this year would likely have been the club’s immediate collapse.
In February, businessman Dario Berta led a consortium to acquire the club, following the imposition of a £1.2 million sustainability salary cap by the RFL. Consortium members Saia Kailahi and Curtiz Brown have been present at Salford matches, showing ongoing engagement with the club.
Salford’s accounts remain frozen, forcing the club to rely on external funding from WeDo Finance. Last month, the club was also hit with a winding-up petition, with the court hearing adjourned until September 3.
The financial crisis has directly impacted the playing squad. Thirteen players, including captain Ryan Brierley, have left during the season. To fulfil fixtures, Salford has had to secure loan players from across the competition. The team suffered a heavy 80-6 loss to Hull FC at the weekend, highlighting the ongoing operational difficulties.
In its latest statement, the club cited the failure of a pledged £1.8 million investment as a major factor in exacerbating financial pressures. Despite this, the Red Devils emphasized that they have met wage obligations under challenging conditions and are actively managing over £3 million in inherited debt.
The statement outlined plans to stabilise the club:
- Assembling a new team to maintain competitiveness
- Securing bridge funding to restore immediate financial stability
- Laying foundations for a sustainable future under the current consortium
“We understand the frustration many fans feel. But we want to be clear: Salford Red Devils will not close,” the club said. “Your patience and support are deeply appreciated as we work to return SRD to its rightful position in the sport.”
The announcement drew a sharp response from newly-formed supporter group The 1873, which criticised the club’s leadership for lack of transparency. The group reaffirmed its commitment to protesting at upcoming fixtures, stating, “The pressure from fans is growing and we will not back down.”
The situation at Salford underscores the fragility of professional rugby league finances and the challenges of sustaining operations under constrained conditions. While the RFL has defended the takeover, the coming months will be critical in determining whether the club can achieve financial stability while maintaining competitiveness on the field.
Source Credit: Sky Sports
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