BY JOHN DAVIDSON
Salford Red Devils’ financial issues have hit a new low with allegations that the club has not been paying its players’ pensions.
Numerous sources have confirmed to rugbyleaguehub.com Long Reads that the Red Devils players are allegedly owed several months of pension money.
It is illegal for a company in the UK not to pay employee pension contributions, and failure to do so can result in penalties, fines, and even prosecution from The Pensions Regulator (TPR). Employees have avenues for recourse, including reporting the issue to TPR and potentially claiming compensation for missing pension payments.
Both Salford and the RFL have been approached for comment.
“The RFL are in constant dialogue with the club, stressing the importance of meeting all outstanding obligations,” an RFL spokesperson said in a statement.
It has been suggested that players have received their pension money for only two months of 2025.
One source told rugbyleaguehub.com Long Reads that not paying their pensions has been “the last straw” for many in the playing squad.
Yesterday the departures of Chris Hill to Bradford and Chris Hankinson to Leeds were announced.
Salford were smashed 74-12 by Hull KR last week and have won just twice out of 20 matches this season.
Hull KR coach Willie Peters said after the game: “Some people have got to be held accountable because it’s embarrassing for our game over here. It does not help anyone.”
It is believed Salford’s payroll was paid through a payday loan last month.
The club is still waiting for a £3 million bridging loan promised by its new owners to materialise.
The Red Devils faced a winding-up petition for owing £500,00 to HMRC, but that has been adjourned until next month.
Salford play away at Hull FC this Sunday.
rugbyleaguehub.com Long Reads understands other debts associated with the club have not been paid and are mounting.