The chairman of Leicester City Football Club is set to face legal proceedings from HM Revenue and Customs in connection with tax evasion.
Milan Mandaric is accused of what tax officials have described as "cheating the public revenue".
Mandaric strenuously denies the allegations, which date to his time as Portsmouth FC chairman from 1998 to 2006.
He will face the charges in January alongside Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp, who was in charge of the first team at Portsmouth at the time.
A statement issued by Cartwright King solicitors, which represents Mandaric, read: "Milan Mandaric is astounded and dismayed that proceedings are to be brought by HMRC in the new year alleging a connection with unpaid tax on a personal payment he made to Harry Redknapp in 2002. These will be vigorously defended.
"During a two-year investigation he has fully co-operated and has strenuously denied any wrongdoing.
"Expert tax advice has confirmed that Mr Mandaric has no tax liability. The decision of HMRC to bring proceedings is very surprising.
"Throughout a successful and respected 45-year international business career he has gained an impeccable reputation and has never been accused of the slightest wrongdoing, nor had his integrity called into question.
"Over the last 10 years in English football, the clubs that Mr Mandaric has invested in have employed hundreds of people and paid millions of pounds in taxes to HMRC."
