Rob Cross has been disqualified as a director for five years after his company failed to settle a mammoth tax debt. Rob Cross Darts Limited owed £450,000 to HMRC and other creditors when it went into liquidation.

The former world darts champion is now banned from becoming a director until June 2030. His company was created eight years ago to receive his earnings and prize money. Cross is said to have withdrawn more than £300,000 from the company, money that should have gone to HMRC and other creditors. An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) was entered into by the 34-year-old last year, in an attempt to pay off some of the money he owes.

Kevin Read, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, told : "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."

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