Aston Villa have suspended chief executive Keith Wyness with immediate effect.
Villa have confirmed owner, Dr Tony Xia, will assume the role until further notice.
Wyness was appointed as Villa chief executive in June 2016 following the club’s relegation from the Premier League and has since overseen a spend of over £80m.
A club statement read: “Aston Villa Football Club can confirm that chief executive, Keith Wyness, has been suspended by the club with immediate effect.
“Owner and chairman, Dr Tony Xia will assume the role until further notice.
“There will be no further comment from the club at this time.”
Sky Sports News understands Villa have been threatened with a winding up order by HMRC after failing to pay an overdue tax bill.
Villa are in discussions with the tax authorities to try to reach a solution, whereby the outstanding amount is re-paid in stages.
Villa are currently preparing for their third season in the Sky Bet Championship after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Fulham at Wembley in the play-off final last month.
