Pompey beg FA: GIVE US OUR CASH!
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POMPEY BEG FA: GIVE US OUR CASH!
Wembley-bound Portsmouth need prize money
PROGRESS: Pompey get past Birmingham in the FA CupPORTSMOUTH will this week beg for their cash after booking a place in the last four of the FA Cup.
Hard-up Pompey are back at Wembley after a 2-0 quarter- final victory over Birmingham.
That should have given the crisis club a much-needed £760,000. But under FA rules any club going into administration is no longer guaranteed prize money.
There was more controversy yesterday when Birmingham had a goal dis- allowed after officials failed to spot Liam Ridgewell's header had crossed the line. The decision sparked fury from Blues boss Alex McLeish on the day when it was announced that .
Pompey chiefs, who are due back in court a week tomorrow, will have to write a letter to the Professional Game Board to request they receive the £760,000 they are entitled to from yesterday's win.
Rule 25 of the FA Cup states a club shall not be entitled to prize money, broadcasting fees or pool payments if that club is subject to an insolvency event on the due date of payment.
That covers the administration the club went into on February 26 and means Pompey bosses have only one hope of releasing the desperately needed funds.
FA rules also state that 'the Professional Game Board may at its discretion make a payment on account to such a club on receipt of a written request from a club.'
That is now Portsmouth's only hope following their quarter-final triumph.
Pompey guaranteed a £360,000 win bonus for reaching the last four and live television money and gate receipts were in excess of £400,000.
Even in defeat Pompey would have expected to pick up around £450,000 from television money, gate receipts and prize money.
But the FA, while sensitive to Portsmouth's plight, are adamant there can be no exceptions to the rule and will demand an explanation from Fratton Park as to why they should release the payment.