Portsmouth FC has said it will invite the affected matchday workers — reported to number roughly 300 — to work directly for the club after its Worthing-based catering partner, Piglet’s Pantry, entered insolvency proceedings. The company’s financial difficulties have left many casual staff without recent wages.
In a letter dated 4 February 2026, Piglet’s Pantry told staff it was not in a position to meet payroll for recent shifts. Local reporting in The News says the business had been relying on matchday revenue from a Portsmouth v Ipswich Town fixture that was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch, and that the lost takings contributed to the cash shortfall.
Portsmouth issued an official statement on 5 February saying the club is liaising with the insolvency practitioners appointed to Piglet’s Pantry and is exploring ways to step in and assist with matchday catering functions for the remainder of the season. The club said it has invited all of the affected Piglet’s Pantry staff to work at Fratton Park while the situation is resolved.
This development comes as Portsmouth prepares for a home game against Sheffield United on 14 February 2026. Regional reporting from the Sussex Express notes that Piglet’s Pantry grew from a small shop into a substantial supplier for football and other major events and that the family-run business is actively seeking buyers in an accelerated process in an effort to protect jobs.
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