Milan Mandaric: the remarkable journey of a football tycoon

Football tycoon Milan Mandaric was cleared of tax evasion along with Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp. But what has the case taught us about the murky world of football finance?

"There were times when I was pulling my hair out and I wanted to strangle him," says football tycoon Milan Mandaric of his relationship with new Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp. But standing in the dock at Southwark Crown Court, awaiting the verdict of their tax evasion trial, football's "Odd Couple" were one. Mandaric put his hand on Redknapp's back, saying, "Don't worry, Harry, it will be fine." When the not-guilty verdicts came in, they hugged.

Mandaric, who faced two trials for tax evasion (see below), describes the four-year investigation as a "horrible dream". Having saved Portsmouth, Leicester City and Sheffield Wednesday from financial ruin, he believes he's been treated shabbily, says The Sunday Times. "I've done a lot for football in this country through love of the game, not because I was making any money." His passion left a sizeable hole in his £100m fortune.

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