Former world champion Rob Cross has been banned from serving as a company director for five years after his business racked up tax debts of more than £450,000, in a case that has sent shockwaves through the darts world.
Cross, who famously captured the PDC World Darts Championship title in 2018, had operated a company called Rob Cross Darts Limited to manage his professional earnings, including prize money, sponsorship deals, and public appearances. However, an investigation into the company’s finances uncovered serious failings in how tax obligations were handled over several years.
Between March 2020 and November 2023, the company received well over £1 million in income. Despite this, a significant portion of taxes owed—including VAT and corporation tax—went unpaid. By the time the business collapsed, total liabilities to tax authorities had exceeded £450,000, leaving creditors facing major losses.
Investigators found that during this same period, Cross withdrew substantial sums from the company. Reports revealed that more than £300,000 was taken out while the business was failing to meet its financial responsibilities. In addition, his director’s loan account had grown to over £400,000 when the company entered liquidation, further deepening the financial shortfall.
Officials concluded that funds which should have been used to settle debts with creditors—including government tax bodies—were instead diverted elsewhere. A senior official involved in the case подчеркнул the seriousness of the matter, stating that such failures undermine public finances, as unpaid taxes directly impact funding for essential services.
As a result of the findings, Cross agreed to a director disqualification undertaking. This means he is prohibited from being involved in the creation, management, or running of any company without court approval until 2030.
Reacting to the ruling, Cross admitted fault and expressed regret over the situation. He openly acknowledged his mistakes, describing the episode as a low point in his life and conceding, “I’ve done wrong… I’m willing to correct it.” His comments reflect a desire to take responsibility and move forward from the controversy.
In an effort to repay what he owes, Cross has entered into an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA), a structured repayment plan that allows him to gradually clear his debts. Under this agreement, his future income—including winnings from darts tournaments—will contribute toward settling the outstanding суммы, meaning his performances on the circuit will play a direct role in resolving the issue.
Despite the ban, Cross is still able to compete professionally and remains active on the darts circuit. The sanction only restricts his ability to act as a company director, not his participation in tournaments. As such, fans can still expect to see him competing at major events while he works to repair both his finances and reputation.
The case serves as a powerful reminder that even top athletes must carefully manage the business side of their careers. For Cross, whose rise from electrician to world champion was one of darts’ most inspiring stories, this development marks a challenging chapter. Now, alongside chasing titles, he faces the task of rebuilding trust and ensuring greater financial discipline in the years ahead.