RFL approves takeover to save Widnes but 12-point penalty imposed

Widnes Vikings have been rescued from administration by a consortium after a deal was ratified on Friday.

The Championship club entered administration last week, since when fans have helped to raise over £100,000 to save the Vikings.

An agreement was reached between administrators and a consortium on Thursday, before the Rugby Football League approved the takeover.

Widnes have been hit with a 12-point deduction, but this weekend's fixture with Featherstone Rovers will be able to go ahead.

The Vikings have won the top tier of English rugby league on three occasions but suffered relegation last season.

Widnes Vikings are delighted to confirm that the board of the Rugby Football League have granted RFL Membership to the consortium who agreed a deal to takeover the club with the administrators earlier this week. https://t.co/hs9IniJXDX#WeSavedOurClub pic.twitter.com/P8PGDWHG2E

— Widnes Vikings (@WidnesRL) March 1, 2019