London Irish set to face suspension following financial difficulties

London Irish are in danger of facing suspension from next season's Premiership amid financial difficulties.

The club was given deadline until Tuesday, 30th May in finalising their takeover and has been in talks with an American consortium.

A report in The Telegraph stated that the Rugby Football Union has observed no progress regarding Irish's efforts to secure a takeover, nor has the current owner, Mick Crossan, demonstrated the ability to provide funding for the club in the upcoming 2023-24 season.

The report also added that the club has until 4 pm on Tuesday to submit their plans to the RFU's Financial Viability group, who will then present a recommendation to the Union's board before Wednesday. Failure to present these plans could lead to a suspension, causing concerns of a worst-case scenario where players are left scrambling for employment in the next season.

If they face a suspension, London Irish would become the third club to face sanction this season due to financial crisis and it could leave 250 players and staff unemployed.

"The timescale has been set to avoid a scenario where the club enters insolvency mid-season, with the corresponding and substantial impact that has on players, staff and fans, as well as on the remainder of the league," read a statement from the RFU.

"This deadline was set to give enough time for the buyers to provide the information needed and for the transaction to complete."