Rob Cross, the electrifying darts sensation known as “Voltage,” has been struck with a significant setback off the oche. The 2018 PDC World Darts Champion, who famously toppled Phil Taylor in a stunning 7-2 victory to claim the title, has been banned from serving as a company director for five years due to a staggering £450,000 tax debt tied to his company, Rob Cross Darts Limited. This financial misstep, uncovered by a thorough investigation, has cast a shadow over the career of one of darts’ most prominent figures, currently ranked world number nine.
The saga began in May 2017, when Cross, then a rising star fresh from his days as an electrician, established Rob Cross Darts Limited to manage his burgeoning earnings and prize money. The company, designed to handle the influx of over £1.4 million in winnings and sponsorships during the peak of his career, became a financial cornerstone for the darts prodigy. However, between March 2020 and November 2023, the company’s fortunes took a dire turn. Investigations revealed that Cross withdrew more than £300,000 from the company—funds that should have been allocated to creditors, including HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Additionally, Cross extracted over £400,000 through a director’s loan account, further deepening the financial hole. By the time Rob Cross Darts Limited went into liquidation in November 2023, it owed a colossal £465,403, including £403,896 in corporation tax, £49,071 in VAT, and £12,436 in PAYE and National Insurance contributions.
The Insolvency Service, tasked with probing the collapse, was unequivocal in its findings. “When directors fail to pay the correct amount of tax, it directly impacts the government’s ability to fund vital public services such as the NHS, schools, transport infrastructure, and our national defense,” said Kevin Read, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service. The authorities emphasized that Cross’s actions deprived the public purse of much-needed funds, underscoring the broader implications of such financial mismanagement. “Enforcing these rules consistently is crucial in maintaining a level playing field and preventing companies from gaining an unfair competitive advantage over compliant businesses that properly fulfill their tax obligations,” Read added.
In a bid to mitigate the fallout, Cross entered an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) last year, a mechanism designed to repay a portion of the debt based on his future darts earnings. The arrangement reflects the unpredictable nature of his income, which fluctuates with tournament performances. Despite this effort, the consequences are severe: Cross is barred from taking on any directorial roles until June 2030, a sanction that underscores the gravity of the financial oversight.
Yet, the 34-year-old darts maestro has shown resilience on the board. Just hours after the news of his ban broke, Cross returned to competitive action at the Nordic Darts Masters in Copenhagen, defeating Swedish player Andreas Harryson 6-4 to advance to the final stages. Reflecting on the match, Cross acknowledged the challenges of the sport, stating, “Darts is tough. We all feel it sometimes when they’re not quite going, if the crowd gets on your back.” His most recent triumph came earlier this year at the Dutch Darts Masters, where he bested fan favorite Stephen Bunting 8-5 in the final, adding to his impressive tally of five World Series of Darts titles.
Cross’s journey from an electrician to a global darts icon has been nothing short of remarkable. His 2018 World Championship win, achieved on his debut appearance, cemented his status as a formidable talent. However, this off-field controversy highlights the complexities of managing sudden wealth and fame. The establishment of Rob Cross Darts Limited was a strategic move to organize his earnings, but the failure to meet tax obligations has led to a cautionary tale about the responsibilities that accompany success.
The darts community and fans await further developments, particularly regarding how Cross’s IVA will play out and whether it will impact his focus on the sport. For now, the PDC has remained silent on the matter, and Cross continues to compete, with upcoming events like the World Cup of Darts on the horizon. As he navigates this turbulent period, Cross’s ability to channel his energy into his game will be critical. The ban may keep him out of the boardroom, but on the oche, Voltage remains a force to be reckoned with, determined to letluis the boardroom for five years.
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