Ex-Darts Champion Barred from Directorship Over Unpaid Tax Debts
A five-year director ban has been handed to Rob Cross, the former PDC World Darts Champion, following serious financial misconduct linked to his personal company.
Cross, best known for winning the 2018 World Championship title, was the sole director of Rob Cross Darts Limited – a company set up to manage his income from prize winnings, sponsorship deals, and appearance fees. However, a recent investigation by the Insolvency Service uncovered that the company had failed to pay over £450,000 in tax liabilities to HMRC, including corporation tax, VAT, and PAYE contributions.
The company ceased trading in late 2023, prompting formal inquiries into its conduct. Between March 2020 and November 2023, Cross withdrew more than £300,000 from the company’s funds, despite growing debts and mounting tax arrears. At the point of liquidation, the company’s total liabilities stood at over £579,000, and Cross’s director loan account was found to be overdrawn by more than £420,000.
The investigation further revealed that over £665,000 had also been paid into the personal account of a connected individual. Meanwhile, HMRC had only received £41,936 from the business over a period of more than three years.
To manage the outstanding debts, Cross entered into an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) in 2024 – a formal insolvency process allowing him to make structured repayments based on his earnings from future darts appearances.
Kevin Read, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, commented on the disqualification:
“When directors prioritise personal withdrawals over legal tax obligations, it deprives the public of critical funding. This action sends a clear message: directors are not above the rules, regardless of their public profile.”
Rob Cross’s ban, which came into effect on 5th June 2025, prevents him from forming, managing or promoting any company without court approval until at least 2030.
This case serves as a stark reminder that misusing company funds and failing to meet statutory responsibilities can carry long-term consequences, not only in business but also in reputation. For those facing financial difficulties, early advice and intervention can help avoid crossing the line.