Portsmouth went into administration on Friday for the second time in two years, leaving the former Premier League club facing a battle against relegation with a hefty points deduction looming.

A High Court hearing in London confirmed Championship club Portsmouth had gone into administration, a development which brings with it an automatic 10-point penalty from Football League chiefs.

However, Pompey may face an even bigger points deduction given it is the second time in as many years that the cash-strapped south coast club have gone into administration.

Portsmouth face a winding-up hearing next week over an unpaid tax bill, while players and staff at the club have not been paid since January. The club’s debts have been estimated at around STG4 million ($A5.88 million).

Before Friday’s hearing, Portsmouth were languishing in 18th place in the Championship, but the 10-point penalty would see them drop to 21st place, just outside the relegation zone ahead of Coventry City on goal difference.