Rugby-Salford Red Devils liquidated after 152 years over debts

Salford Red Devils, a 152-year-old rugby league club who finished last in the Super League after a financially troubled campaign, have been liquidated by the high court due to outstanding debts, British media reports said on Wednesday.

Salford Red Devils, a 152-year-old rugby league club who finished last in the Super League after a financially troubled campaign, have been liquidated by the high court due to outstanding debts, British media reports said on Wednesday. Despite a takeover by a consortium led by Swiss businessman Dario Berta this year, the club struggled to pay wages on time, faced a player exodus and lost 24 of their 27 matches in the Super League as they were relegated to Championship.

The winding-up petition against the club, which was adjourned multiple times to give them time to pay the debt, was heard on Wednesday after the owners failed to secure funding. The 1873, a supporters group, vowed to revive the club.

"Liquidated on paper. Alive in every heart in this city," they posted on X. "Salford Rugby League was never just a company - it's a legacy, a cause, a community that refuses to be erased. From this moment, the fight for a reborn Salford begins."