Salford Red Devils are facing another financial crisis as the Rugby Football League (RFL) has reimposed salary cap restrictions on the club. The club’s new ownership has been called to a crisis meeting on Wednesday to explain the ongoing failure to pay February wages to players and staff.
Salford had been struggling with financial difficulties over the winter, which led to them securing a £500,000 advance on their central funding to stay afloat. The situation appeared to improve when a group led by Swiss investment banker Dario Berta took over. Following this, the RFL initially imposed a salary cap of £1.2 million but lifted it after being satisfied that sufficient funding was in place to stabilize the club.
However, despite the takeover, players and staff were due to receive their wages last Friday, but those payments have not been made. As a result, the playing squad has effectively stopped training ahead of their upcoming game against Castleford on Friday. The club has stated that the delay is due to a seven-figure sum being transferred from overseas, though no concrete timeline has been provided for when the wages will be paid.
Due to these ongoing concerns, the RFL has taken immediate action, reinstating the salary cap restriction. This means head coach Paul Rowley will be limited to using players valued at a total of £1.2 million rather than the full £2 million squad. With Salford winless in their first three Super League matches, the restrictions further complicate their season.
The club’s new administrators have been summoned to a meeting on Wednesday morning to outline their plans to resolve the crisis. The RFL has made it clear that the restrictions will remain in place until they receive satisfactory assurances regarding financial stability.
A statement from the governing body confirmed that the special measures committee had determined the need to reimpose the £1.2 million cap immediately. In addition, Salford’s ownership must provide updates on the club’s financial situation, including how they intend to resolve the issue of unpaid wages.
Salford Red Devils issued a message on social media acknowledging the turmoil and apologizing to their supporters. The club reassured fans that the new ownership is working to resolve the financial situation and prevent further issues. However, frustration remains among players, staff, and supporters as uncertainty continues to surround the club’s future.
With their next fixture just days away, Salford face significant challenges both on and off the field. Whether the meeting on Wednesday will provide a resolution remains to be seen, but the club’s immediate future hangs in the balance.
