Leyton Orient 'have funds to pay bill and finish season', EFL says

Leyton Orient are bottom of the EFL and are facing a winding-up order

The EFL says it has been assured Leyton Orient are in a position to stave off a winding-up order and finish the Sky Bet League Two season.

The League's bottom club - seven points adrift of safety - have been summoned to the High Court on March 20 over an unpaid tax bill.

But club representatives have told the EFL the money is in place to pay HM Revenue and Customs and fulfil their remaining fixtures.

A statement read: "The EFL met with Leyton Orient last Thursday March 9 to gain a full understanding of the current issues that surround our member club.

"We were advised that a funding plan is in place to clear the petition debt, currently subject to a HMRC hearing at the High Court on March 20, and to complete their remaining nine league fixtures.

"We remain in regular dialogue with the club and, as the competition organiser, the EFL will continue to offer whatever practical assistance is available to us as the club continues to navigate itself away from their current position."

Highlights of the Sky Bet League Two game between Accrington and Leyton Orient. Highlights of the Sky Bet League Two game between Accrington and Leyton Orient.

Orient have had nine different managers since Francesco Becchetti bought the club from Barry Hearn, and supporters have called on the Italian to sell up.

But the EFL statement added: "The issue of the ownership of the club is not a matter for the EFL, as long as our regulations are met and any sale of the club is a matter for its shareholders, at this stage.

"We will continue to monitor developments."