The EFL asked Charlton's new owners for proof of funds on no fewer than six occasions before launching an investigation into the beleaguered Championship club.

Charlton’s majority shareholder Tahnoon Nimer and ousted former executive chairman Matt Southall have until 4pm today to provide the EFL with documents relating to the £1 takeover from Roland Duchatelet by East Street Investments in January.

On Tuesday, the Charlton Athletic Supporters’ Trust (CAST) warned that “the very existence of [the] club is under threat” and said the possible outcomes of the club’s apparent lack of funds and the EFL’s probe range from “relegation at best [to] liquidation at worst."

In documents sent to the club, seen by Standard Sport, the EFL allege that the takeover went ahead without sign-off from the League and say they warned Charlton they were proceeding “at their own risk”.

The EFL allege that Charlton breached rules by appointing Nimer and Southall to the board without their approval and by failing to provide proof and source of funding, despite numerous requests.

The EFL claim they corresponded with Charlton on six occasions in January and February to request proof of funding from Nimer and his solicitors.

The League could impose sanctions, including a points deduction.

Both Nimer and Southall, who was ousted from the board following a bitter civil war last month, have said they will fully co-operate with the investigation.