Manchester City has been charged by the Premier League for allegedly breaching financial rules. on Monday.
The decision comes after a four-year long investigation and City could face punishments for breaching financial regulations over a nine-season period.
“In accordance with Premier League Rule W.82.1, the Premier League confirms that it has today referred a number of alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules by Manchester City Football Club (Club) to a Commission under Premier League Rule W.3.4.” a statement released by Premier League said.
The breaches stretch from the 2009-10 season to the 2017-18 campaign, the league added. During this period City won the Premier League three times - in 2012, 2014 and 2018.
If proved guilty, Pep Guardiola’s side could face dire consequences ranging from points deduction to even getting expelled from the league.
City is also charged with failing to comply with Premier League’s rules requiring clubs to follow UEFA’s financial fair play regulations from the 2013-14 to 2017-18 seasons and failing to follow the Premier League’s rules on profit and sustainability from the 2015-16 to 2017-18 seasons.
Hours after Premier League’s statement, Manchester City issued a statement, welcoming an investigation on the allegations.
“Manchester City FC is surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules, particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL has been provided with,” the club statement read.
“The Club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent Commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position. As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all.”
After the 0-1 loss against Tottenham, Man City currently sits second with 45 points, behind leader Arsenal, in the league table.
With inputs from Reuters
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