SPL club Hearts says future at stake over tax bill

GLASGOW, Scotland (AP) Scottish Premier League club Hearts says it could be forced out of business by the end of the month due to an unpaid tax bill.

The Edinburgh club, which is owned by Lithuanian businessman Vladimir Romanov, issued a plea to supporters Wednesday asking for "emergency backing" to ensure its survival.

On its website Hearts insisted: "This isn't a bluff, this isn't scaremongering, this is reality."

The club has been hit with a "winding-up order" over a tax bill of 449,692.04 pounds (about $719,000) after action was taken by the tax authority at an Edinburgh court.

The club warns there is "a real risk" it could "possibly play its last game" on Nov. 17 against St Mirren.

Hearts wants supporters to buy tickets for forthcoming matches and invest in a share issue.

Updated November 7, 2012