League Championship side Aston Villa Owner Tony Xia could sell his shares or put the club up for sale "as he searches for investment options," according to the BBC. Villa reportedly needs about £40M ($52.7M) to comply with Financial Fair Play rules. Earlier this month, Villa reached an agreement with U.K. tax authority HMRC after missing a £4M ($5.3M) payment, "but another is due at the end of the week." Companies House documents "show shares can be sold and a restriction on Villa's sale has been lifted." The Chinese businessman warned of "severe Financial Fair Play challenges" after Villa lost to Fulham in the Championship playoff final in May, costing the club a potential £160M ($210M) in future revenue (BBC, 6/20). The PA's Nick Mashiter reported Xia "is likely to be searching for investment from China," although there have been "at least three groups interested in Villa" since it failed to earn promotion. Selling the club is a "last resort" for Xia, who bought Villa for £76M in '16, "and he is determined to hang on to power" (PA, 6/20).
