Baller League has reportedly been hit with a winding-up petition from the HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) less than a year after launching in the United Kingdom.
Baller League has grown in popularity over the past year after its initial launch in Germany back in 2024.
Several footballing icons, such as Alan Shearer, Ian Wright, and Micah Richards, have rubbed shoulders with celebrities and actors such as Maya Jama and Idris Elba while working as managers in the league, which consists of 12 teams that play in six-a-side games in indoor venues.
Each match lasts 30 minutes, split into two 15-minute halves.
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Several former players have also competed, including ex-Watford striker Troy Deeney and former Arsenal midfielder Henri Lansbury, among others.
Meanwhile, social media personalities Angry Ginge and KSI are also involved.
And due to the success of the UK edition, a US version is set to launch with eight-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt and 2005 Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldinho already confirmed as managers.
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However, less than a week after the second season finished, HMRC has applied for Baller League UK Ltd to be wound up, according to The Telegraph.
The outlet reported that “organisers declined to comment on the petition, but a source told Telegraph Sport it had been filed after Baller League submitted its VAT returns two weeks late and that it was in fact owed money by HMRC”.
As per HMRC, creditors can apply to have a company close down by making an application known as a ‘winding-up petition’.
This can then be withdrawn if the debts are paid or an arrangement is made between both parties. If the petition is accepted, then a court hearing will be arranged.
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A company can then be put into ‘provisional liquidation’ under the control of someone else until the hearing takes place.
If a court decides the debtors cannot pay, the bank account of the company can be frozen.
Created by entrepreneur Felix Stark, Baller League was backed by former Germany internationals Mats Hummels and Lukas Podolski.
And despite the concept coming from the traditional sport of football, several unique rules are implemented, with managers able to question decisions by throwing in a white flag.
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Corners don’t exist, and instead, players take a penalty if the ball goes out of bounds three times.
Wild cards are also used, meaning a team can bring two players in for each match.
Other rules include game-changer, which allows special in-game modifications.
Luke Davies