PORTSMOUTH must return to the High Court today after the British Revenue and Customs challenged their voluntary administration. HMRC are believed to be concerned by certain aspects of the administration process and will be seeking clarification from Portsmouth.

It is understood the club will be given time to consider their response before being asked to attend a second hearing where a decision on the validity of the administration will be made.

This latest development does not appear to threaten the administration process at this stage.

Andrew Andronikou, the administrator in charge of Portsmouth, was informed of the stricken Premier League club’s return to the High Court yesterday. “We’re having to go to court to show that the debenture is valid,” Andronikou said. “I don’t understand the exact reason why this is, we’re just following normal protocol. We’re not unduly worried.

“It’s not standard procedure but I’d imagine that HMRC are basically crossing their Is and dotting their Ts. We’re expecting the administration to proceed as it was.”

HMRC released a brief statement confirming Portsmouth must return to the High Court today. The statement read: “This matter is before the courts on Tuesday. HMRC will be making no further comment at this stage.”

Portsmouth went into administration on Friday with estimated debts of €86.5 million.

Andronikou, an insolvency practitioner from UHY Hacker Young, has subsequently conducted an investigation of the accounts.

He retains hope that the automatic nine-point deduction levied for any club going down this route will be waved by the Premier League.

It is understood the Premier League are due to discuss Portsmouth’s case at a board meeting today, though this could now be rescheduled in light of the High Court appearance.

“We are to meet with the Premier League over the next couple of days,” said Andronikou yesterday.