LONDON: The bizarre roller-coaster at Cardiff City has soared into a new twist with manager Malky Mackay being told to resign or face being sacked by the owner Vincent Tan.

The Malaysian businessman has reportedly criticised Mackay, in a formal emailed letter earlier this week, for his signings, style of play, results and performance as a manager. The letter also included the ultimatum.

Mackay, who led Cardiff to the 2012 League Cup final before securing the Championship title last term, has previously stated he would not resign from his position, and it is believed it could cost Tan £3m to sack the 41-year-old, whose contract runs until 2016.

Mackay’s position as Bluebirds boss has been under scrutiny since Tan removed his head of recruitment Iain Moody in October amid suggestions of a summer transfer window overspend, something the Scot and Moody denied outright.

The problems at the club deepened on Monday, the same day as Tan’s email was sent, when chief executive Simon Lim said Tan was “extremely upset” at Mackay’s ambitions to bring in three players in January. Lim insisted not “a single penny” would be available to spend next month.

Cardiff travel to Liverpool tomorrow.

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