Sheffield United face having to pay back £10million pumped into the club by a Nigerian businessman who failed to buy the Premier League strugglers last year.
The cash-strapped Blades have been warned by lawyers they will have to return £8.85m plus interest if Dozy Mmobuosi is found guilty of fraud charges made against him in the United States.
The cash blow comes with Chris Wilder’s side on the brink of relegation from the Prem, which would cost them £100m.
Lawyers warned: “Should the charges prove to be accurate, up to £8,850,000 plus interest could potentially be recovered from the club.”
No date has been set for the trial.
Mmobuosi, 45, disappeared from his luxurious London home in January after US authorities charged him with securities fraud, making false filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and conspiracy following an FBI investigation.
Mmobuosi, who had also shown interest in investing in Crystal Palace and Southampton, was touted as a potential saviour for the Blades after he was linked to a £115m takeover bid.
He agreed terms with United’s owner Prince Abdullah and said he paid the cash as a deposit.
But the EFL asked him and the club to answer further questions.
Talks then broke down between the Prince and the African businessman.
The Blades return to Prem action after the international break at home to Fulham.
But the bottom side face a huge task to stay up as they are eight points from safety.
