LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Rugby Football League (RFL) has defended its decision to approve the takeover of Salford Red Devils, acknowledging the club's financial difficulties as "damaging and draining for the sport." The RFL emphasized that the "only alternative" to the takeover earlier this year was the "very probable and immediate demise of the club."
Businessman Dario Berta's consortium successfully purchased the club in February. In light of ongoing financial troubles, Salford has had to make significant player transactions, including selling captain Ryan Brierley and Jack Ormondroyd to Oldham, Chris Hill to Bradford Bulls, and Chris Hankinson to Leeds Rhinos to settle debts. A total of thirteen players have departed the team this season, with the possibility of more exits.
To address their roster shortages and ensure they can fulfill upcoming fixtures, Salford has signed St Helens players Ciaran Nolan and Jake Davies on short-term loans, a measure sanctioned by the RFL. This is essential for their upcoming match against Hull FC and another against Wakefield Trinity on August 17.
The club's financial situation remains precarious as they rely on external funding from WeDo Finance, with their financial accounts still frozen. Recently, Salford faced a winding-up petition, although a court hearing has been postponed until September 3.