Our Director Disqualification Specialists comment on this case
Former world darts champion Rob Cross has received a 5-year director disqualification for unpaid taxes, following an investigation by the Insolvency Service (IS). This Director Disqualification means Cross is banned from acting as a company director until June 2030, after findings that he withdrew substantial funds from his company, Rob Cross Darts Limited, that should have been allocated to creditors, including HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
Background to this Director Disqualification case
Rob Cross, widely known for his victory in the 2018 PDC World Darts Championship, established Rob Cross Darts Limited in May 2017 to manage his earnings and prize money. However, between March 2020 and November 2023, the company received over £1 million in income yet failed to meet its tax obligations.
Investigations revealed that Cross withdrew more than £300,000 from the company during this period, funds that should have been directed towards settling outstanding debts. Additionally, his director’s loan account was overdrawn by £423,608 when the company entered liquidation, prompting the IS’s investigation.
By the time Rob Cross Darts Limited ceased trading, it owed:
- £403,896 in corporation tax
- £49,071 in VAT
- £12,436 in PAYE and National Insurance contributions
Despite these liabilities, the company had only paid £41,936 to HMRC over the three-year period of the investigation.
The Insolvency Service’s Findings
The IS concluded that Cross’s financial decisions placed HMRC and other creditors at a disadvantage. Kevin Read, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, emphasised the importance of directors fulfilling their tax obligations, stating:
“When directors fail to pay the correct amount of tax, it directly impacts the government’s ability to fund vital public services such as the NHS, schools, transport infrastructure, and our national defence.
Rob Cross’s company owed more than £400,000 in corporation tax alone when it went into liquidation. For more than three years, he withdrew funds from the company which should have gone to HMRC and other creditors.
This case demonstrates that we will pursue action against directors who deprive the public purse of much-needed funds. The rules apply equally to everyone in business, and we expect all company directors to comply with their legal responsibilities.
Enforcing these rules consistently is crucial in maintaining a level playing field and preventing companies from gaining an unfair competitive advantage over compliant businesses that properly fulfil their tax obligations.”
Cross’s five-year director disqualification for unpaid taxes prevents him from being involved in the promotion, formation, or management of any company without court approval until June 2030.
Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA)
In an effort to repay some of the outstanding debts, Cross has entered into an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA). This legally binding agreement commits him to making regular payments to an insolvency practitioner, with contributions dependent on his future earnings from darts tournaments.
Comment from Neil Davies, Director at Neil Davies & Partners Solicitors
“This case reinforces a key point—no one is exempt from an Insolvency Service Investigation and possible director disqualification proceedings, regardless of their profession or public profile. Whether a company director is a sports star, media personality, or business leader, they are held to the same legal obligations as anyone else. Failing to meet tax liabilities can lead to serious consequences, including director disqualification, reputational damage, and financial penalties.
Our advice is always to take legal advice as soon as possible if the IS decide to investigate. Although on the face of it, it seems there could be no other outcome in this case, it should always be remembered that the IS are strangers to a case and do not have the full details of what happened. It is our job as director disqualification specialists to forensically examine the detail of what happened, and present this information to the IS.
We have had a great deal of success in convincing the IS to drop their investigations as a result. Take a look at some of our case studies and testimonials from relieved directors.”
Lessons for Company Directors facing Director Disqualification for unpaid taxes
The case of Rob Cross’s Director Disqualification for unpaid taxes serves as an important reminder of the legal responsibilities directors hold when managing company finances. Failure to meet tax obligations can result in severe consequences, including director disqualification, financial penalties, and reputational damage.
Talk to our director disqualification specialists if the Insolvency Service is investigating you. Contact us or call us on 0121 200 7040. The initial conversation is free of charge and without obligation.
