York City Legal Battle Unveiled: Key Details Emerge

York City is at the centre of a legal battle. New details have been unveiled and further key facts have emerged. Filmogaz.com first reported the claim against the club last week.

What is being claimed

Former owner Jason McGill’s company, JM Packaging Ltd (JMP), has issued a High Court claim. JMP says it loaned the club several million pounds between 2007 and 2022. The firm says most loans were repaid, mainly from a £7 million Bootham Crescent sale to Persimmon Homes.

JMP says £1 million still remained outstanding after that sale. That balance was reduced to £650,000 when JMP sold its 75% shareholding to the York City Supporters’ Trust for £350,000. McGill agreed to waive interest on the remaining sum, JMP’s lawyers say.

Terms of the compromise agreement

JMP says a compromise agreement required repayment of £650,000 if the club met financial targets. Those targets included higher matchday income and transfer-fee receipts tied to the new stadium move. The agreement was brokered with the supporters’ trust and later transferred to new owners.

Ownership transfers

The 75% stake passed from JMP to the supporters’ trust. Subsequent owners included Glen Henderson and then 394 Sports Ltd. 394 Sports Ltd is co-owned by Matthew Uggla and Julie-Anne Uggla.

Alleged non-payment and potential interest

JMP says no repayments have been made under the compromise. The agreement has an April 2026 end date. JMP argues the club breached contract by failing to pay the £650,000.

The claim warns that, if the sum is not repaid, interest on loans from 2006 and 2010 could be due. JMP estimates such interest might total as much as £4.2 million.

Sell-on fee dispute

The Ugglas say McGill was paid in full. Their view rests partly on a sell-on fee from Ben Godfrey’s transfer. Godfrey moved from Norwich City to Everton in October 2020 for about £25 million.

The Ugglas calculate York were due roughly £1.9 million plus VAT from that sale. They say three payments, almost £1.8 million, were made to JMP. One payment reportedly arrived in 2022, after McGill ceased to be a shareholder.

Legal arguments anticipated

The Ugglas’ lawyers plan to argue some agreements are unenforceable. They say McGill signed documents on behalf of both his company and the club without independent oversight. That, they contend, breached FA rules and could void the loan deals and the compromise.

JMP disputes that position. Its lawyers say payments disclosed in the club’s filed accounts were loan repayments. They deny JMP or McGill ever received dividends or other personal benefit from the club.

Statements and current status

Rob Ripley of Andrew Jackson Solicitors issued a statement for JMP. He said JMP reluctantly issued the claim for non-payment of £650,000. The club had not yet filed a defence when the claim was reported.

JMP noted the club’s accounts showed net assets above £3.5 million for the year to 30 June 2022. The firm also said talks with HMRC over corporation tax linked to the Bootham Crescent sale remain separate to this dispute.

Club context and owner response

York City sit second in the National League and have scored 100 league goals this season. They are competing with Rochdale for the single automatic promotion spot.

Matt and Julie-Anne Uggla issued a short statement. They said they will not comment on a recent newspaper report. They also said they believe McGill was paid in full and pledged ongoing investment to build a sustainable club.

• Claimant: JM Packaging Ltd, owned by Jason McGill.
• Outstanding sum claimed: £650,000 under a compromise agreement.
• Potential interest claim: up to £4.2 million on older loans.
• Key dates: loans 2007–2022; Godfrey transfer October 2020.
• Agreement end date: April 2026.

The legal process will determine whether repayments were made and which agreements remain enforceable. Supporters, owners and the club await court filings. Filmogaz.com will continue to report as further details emerge.