AFC Telford still furious after winding up order
A winding up petition incorrectly lodged against AFC Telford United has been officially withdrawn, the club has confirmed.
New Bucks Head officials were stunned last week when the club appeared on Monday's court schedules to answer a petition launched by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
The paperwork alleged non-payment of VAT bills, something Telford chairman Ian Dosser categorically denied.
The club then issued a strongly worded statement to say a mistake had been made.
At a court hearing in London yesterday, the petition was swiftly withdrawn – prompting another club statement.
It read: "The case to wind up AFC Telford United has been immediately dismissed by the court, with HMRC ordered to pay the costs.
"We learned only on Friday that the club was subject to a winding up petition incorrectly instigated by HMRC.
"The club were first notified of this on October 29, in a hand delivered letter from HMRC. The club immediately contacted HMRC the same day.
"HMRC acknowledged in that phone conversation that the club had already paid the VAT amount of £11,000 in October, long before communication was received.
"HMRC agreed that no notice would be entered and the court hearing would be cancelled.
"Despite again acknowledging this by telephone yesterday morning, at 10am the HMRC barrister in court had still not received an instruction that the case should be dismissed.
"The club has always prioritised the paying of crown debt to HMRC – £172,488 has been paid in VAT over the last two years and a further £168,800 in PAYE.
"We have expressed our upmost disappointment to HMRC and requested an apology. This has caused the club embarrassment and has caused everyone connected stress and anxiety.
"It's a matter which shouldn't have occurred and which we thought we had dealt with at the first possible opportunity."
A spokesman for HMRC refused to comment.
