Dunfermline Athletic’s future is set to become clearer on Tuesday after HMRC confirmed the club have until 5pm tomorrow to pay their outstanding tax bill.
The Pars had said they had until 5pm on Monday to pay the taxman £134,000 but majority shareholder Gavin Masterton has told staff at East End Park that he will make a statement within the next 24 hours after it emerged they actually have until close of business on Tuesday.
HMRC lodged a winding-up order with the Court of Session earlier this month and will petition the court asking for a liquidator to be appointed if the situation is not resolved.
Masterton evaded questions on the issue as he entered East End Park today, simply confirming that a statement will be made on Tuesday.
Placing the Pars into voluntary administration seems to be the most likely path to stave off the immediate threat of liquidation, but HMRC would have to agree to that.
Liquidation is therefore also a distinct possibility if no agreement can be reached, or no financial rescue package can be found.
All eyes will therefore be on East End Park to see what Masterton who has a 94% stake in the Fife club has to say.
Dunfermline are due to play Falkirk at home on Wednesday, although there are no guarantees that the First Division game will go ahead as planned.
For more on the developing situation at East End Park, see Tuesday’s Courier or try our digital edition.