However, Portsmouth said that contrary to media reports, they had not been served with a winding-up petition, adding that they were working with the authorities to pay off their debts.
"Portsmouth Football Club has not been formally served with a winding up petition and is shocked and surprised this action has been taken in respect of VAT (Value Added Tax), PAYE (Pay as you Earn) and National Insurance Contributions which either have been, or are about to be paid, or are disputed," the club said in a statement on their website.
"The club is disputing the VAT amount outstanding and has formally notified HMRC (Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs) of this. We expect HMRC to withdraw their demands forthwith."
CLOSELY MONITORING
"We remain in frequent dialogue with the club," it said in a statement.
"Clearly, we hope they settle any issues they have with the HMRC before the court hearing."
Saudi businessman Ali al Faraj subsequently bought 90 percent of the club's shares from Fahim.
EXTREME EFFORTS
"To date the new owner has injected a total of 9.7 million pounds of new funds to HMRC - 5.7 million paid and security to the value of 4 million pounds," the club said.
"In such a tough economic environment the club finds it hard to understand this action by HMRC."
