Salford Red Devils release statement after Super League relegation despite improved finance IMG score

Salford Red Devils have been relegated from Super League after falling down to 15th in the 2025 IMG gradings.

The Red Devils have had a difficult year to say the least, finishing bottom of the pile in Super League after a season plagued with finance issues. Salford, who were taken over by Sire Kailahi and Curtiz Brown, earlier this year, have regularly missed pay days for players and staff and they are yet to deal with a HMRC winding up order.

Hearings with HMRC have twice been adjourned, but the club is due back in court later this month with a decision one way or the other expected. The Red Devils were forced to withdraw themselves from a game in August and they were also deducted two points for breaching operational rules regarding team selection for the opening game of the season against St Helens.

Despite all that the club have seen an improvement in their finance score with IMG, with figures being based on the November 2024 capture point, before their troubles become widely reported.

Ultimately, Salford’s score dropped from 13.97 in 2024 to 12.65 in 2025, with a 0.25 point penalty for their breach in operational rules being taken into account, and that’s enough to put the club 15th in the rankings below Bradford Bulls, York Knights and Toulouse Olympique.

That ensures Salford will be a Championship club next season should they avoid being entered into liquidation by HMRC for their unpaid debts.

And, the club have released a statement to suggest that they will begin planning for the new Championship season, with the ownership ‘committed to developing across all areas’ ahead of next season.

Salford Red Devils comment on IMG gradings

The statement reads: “Salford Red Devils are announcing that we have achieved a total score of 12.65 in this year’s IMG grading, placing us 15th overall.

“This result confirms that we are now eligible to begin planning for participation in the Betfred Championship for the 2026 season.

“While there are areas for improvement, particularly in finance and stadium control, this year’s grading demonstrates continued progress in several key metrics, including digital growth and community engagement.

“We remain committed to developing across all areas and look forward to building toward a strong 2026 campaign in the Betfred Championship.”

Their full IMG grading breakdown can be found here.