The much-reported Chinese takeover of Southampton has died down in recent weeks, but Katharina Liebherr could be forced to sell the club, claim the Times.
The Liebherr family are now involved in a German tax investigation surrounding Katharina’s father, Markus, with the public prosecutor’s office is investigating the tax liability of her late father.
German authorities are responding to claims that Markus spent more time in Germany than he let on, entitling them to levy taxes against the beneficiaries of his estate, which was passed onto Katharina following his death in 2010.
Markus had claimed that Zurich was his primary residence, however, he owned property in Germany which is the foundation of this investigation.
The ongoing investigation is digging into those who received payouts from his estate and Katharina, a large beneficiary, could receive a sizeable tax bill which she may have to finance paying off with the sale of Southampton or other assets in her £300m portfolio.
Still seeking investment into Southampton, Katharina remains in talks over a proposed £190 million sale to the Lander Sports Development company.
