London: Debt-ridden English third division club Leeds United could go out of existence next week after being put up for sale by the club's administrators.
A statement from KPMG on Friday said it had made the decision because of a legal challenge by Britain's Revenue and Customs service over 7.7 million pounds ($15.48 million) owed to the government by the 88-year-old Yorkshire club.
The tax man is also disputing chairman Ken Bates's proposed plan to take the club out of administration by offering creditors just eight pence in the pound.
KPMG decided to put the club up for sale after a High Court ruling on Friday postponed a hearing in the case until September 3 and set a deadline of 1600 GMT next Monday for offers to buy the club, which has debts of about 35 million pounds.
In a statement released to British media, KPMG said: "We are putting the club up for sale and offers must be in by 5pm on Monday and we are interested in talking to other parties."
"This is because of the uncertainty that surrounds the club due to the legal challenge by HM Revenue and Customs."
Leeds are due to start the new season at Tranmere Rovers on August 11 - the first time they have played in the third tier of English football.
Seven years ago Leeds reached the Champions League semi-finals and were subsequently relegated from the Premier League in 2004.
They have been English champions three times in 1969, 1974 and 1992, won the FA Cup in 1972 and three years later were beaten by Bayern Munich in the European Cup final.
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