Salford Red Devils have been given the green light to field a full-strength side against Leeds Rhinos on Saturday after the sustainability cap imposed by the Rugby Football League was lifted.
Confirmation the takeover of the club has been formally approved by RFL Commercial will come as a huge relief to the Manchester-based club.
In addition to guaranteeing the long-term future, it means there will be no repeat of head coach Paul Rowley’s farcical team selection which saw a reserve side humiliated 82-0 by St Helens in the opening round of Super League fixtures.
Saints’ 15-try romp was the heaviest winning margin in the league’s history and drew criticism from rivals, including Warrington head coach Sam Burgess, that it compromised the integrity of the competition.
A statement from the RFL confirmed that a 100% purchase of the heavily-indebted club, by a consortium led by Swiss investment banker Dario Berta, had been rubber-stamped.
“The RFL has today approved the change of control and all owners and directors tests whilst also lifting the sustainability cap that has applied to Salford Red Devils since they were given an advance on their central distribution in December,” the statement said.
“The club’s new ownership group have met the conditions that were necessary. All Salford’s first team squad are therefore available for selection for Saturday’s Betfred Super League Round Two fixture against Leeds Rhinos.”
