"I am surprised and very disappointed that I have been charged by HMRC today," said Milan Mandaric."This was a personal matter and nothing to do with football. I have done nothing wrong and independent tax experts have already confirmed that, in their opinion, there is no tax liability. My solicitors Cartwright King will be assisting me to vigorously defend the case when it goes to court and prove that I am innocent of this allegation."

"Mr Mandaric is a highly respected businessman with an extremely successful international business career spanning 45 years," said Mark Wilson, director of leading national business defence specialists Cartwright King."He has an impeccable reputation and will now be proving his innocence in the court."

This statement was issued by Cartwright King Solicitors on behalf of Milan Mandaric.