Significant HMRC update emerges involving Reading FC

A rare bit of positive news has emerged for the Royals during a dark time for them.

•  Reading owner Dai Yongge has paid the club’s outstanding HMRC tax bills..

•  Despite the payment, supporters should still be angry at Dai for the decline of the club under his ownership.

•  The situation at Reading is unacceptable, with relegation to the fourth tier looming. A sale would be best for both the club and Mr Dai.

Reading owner Dai Yongge has paid the club’s outstanding HMRC tax bills, according to Reading Chronicle journalist James Earnshaw.

The Royals have struggled financially in the past year – and these problems have only got worse in recent months.

Wages were initially an issue, with the Berkshire outfit failing to pay players on time and in full on three occasions last term, which led to a one-point deduction being applied.

A further three points were deducted in September after Dai failed to inject 125% of the club’s wage bill into a designated account, and those penalties haven’t aided the Royals who currently sit at the bottom of the League One table, below Carlisle United, Fleetwood Town and Cheltenham.

Reading’s struggles to pay HMRC

Paying HMRC has been a more recent issue with these bills not being paid on time on numerous occasions now, which has led to numerous embargoes.

The club were charged by the EFL for continued non-payment earlier this month and although it’s unclear what punishment will be given out by the Independent Disciplinary Commission, many Reading supporters are fearing a points deduction will be on the way.

Another deduction may all but confirm the Royals’ place in League Two next season, if they manage to remain afloat as a football club.