PORTSMOUTH’S battle for survival was boosted yesterday when Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs accepted the club’s move into administration.

Pompey escaped being wound up after HMRC abandoned their claim that Pompey owner Balram Chainrai did not have the legal right to put the club into administration.

The cash-strapped south coast club were also encouraged by Pompey administrator Andrew Andronikou, who promised fans that no players will be moved on ahead of their FA Cup semi-final.

HMRC’s decision to drop their case was just the boost Portsmouth had been looking for after slashing 85 Fratton Park jobs on Wednesday.

A spokesman for the club said: ‘‘The Revenue has accepted the administration is valid.’’ But Portsmouth now face a nine-point deduction from the Premier League for entering into administration.

However, with their FA Cup semi-final against Fulham or Tottenham looming, Andronikou pledged no players will be leaving the club before the Wembley showdown.

Some members of manager Avram Grant’s backroom staff were included in the staff cull, although none of them were high-profile.

Players cannot be made redundant due to protection afforded to them by the Professional Footballers’ Association.

But the cancellation of loan agreements to save on wages is a consideration, with Pompey having six temporary signings.

‘‘Selling players is an option but first I need to broach the subject with the Premier League,’’ said Andronikou. ‘‘I need their concession.

‘‘However, I will not be looking to sell players before the semi-final and I will not be looking to cancel loan agreements before the semi-final.”

‘‘The minute I start tinkering with the football part it will be a big mistake. I can promise I will leave that until after the semi-final.’’