Football club suspended by National League just days before start of new season

Football club suspended by National League just days before start of new season

Ebbsfleet United have been suspended from playing their first three National League South games of the season because of the club's ongoing financial problems. The decision comes as the club remains subject to a winding-up petition filed by HMRC over outstanding tax debts dating back to April. A change of ownership is currently underway at the Kuflink Stadium, but the process has yet to be completed, leaving the club unable to satisfy the league's requirements regarding its financial standing. The three postponed fixtures are Saturday's away trip to Slough Town, the home match against Folkestone Invicta on August 15, and a visit to Chelmsford City on August 17, all of which will need to be rearranged. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Ebbsfleet dropped down to the sixth tier after suffering relegation from the National League in the 2024-25 season. They had finished ninth in National League South last term, narrowly missing out on a play-off place on goal difference. The club is also currently operating under a transfer embargo. The National League has notified the Independent Football Regulator of the situation surrounding the club's finances. LATEST SPORTS NEWS Argentina rub salt into England's wounds once more with controversial announcement England star retires from cricket aged 25 after devastating injury blow UEFA says Infantino's apology 'changes nothing' as Europe's governing body doubles down on boycott New owners are in the process of taking over the club, with the league setting a deadline of 5pm on August 18 for Ebbsfleet to "provide satisfactory evidence that its obligations have been and will be met in accordance with applicable regulations". Ebbsfleet have said that all money owed to HMRC will be settled by the end of August once the takeover is finalised. The club released a statement reading: "Vetting and financial checks for the new proposed ownership and takeover have taken place over the last 12 months and were approved by the lea