Manchester City have been charged with over 100 breaches of Premier League financial rules following a four-year investigation into their dealings.
The Premier League has referred the club, bankrolled by Abu Dhabi royal Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to an independent commission over alleged rule breaches between 2009 and 2018.
The Premier League said in a statement: “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.”
It also accused City of not co-operating since the investigation started in December 2018.
The commission can impose punishments ranging from a fine and points deduction to expulsion from the Premier League.
“Manchester City 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 said in a statement.
“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.”
Last season City won their sixth Premier League title since the 2008 takeover by Sheikh Mansour’s Abu Dhabi United Group.
