The Premier League referred Manchester City to an independent commission over more than 100 alleged breaches of financial rules since the club was acquired by Abu Dhabi-based City Football Group.
League rules state that allegations such as those faced by City could, if proven, result in a club being expelled from the Premier League in the worst case scenario.
Offending clubs may alternatively lose points, be fined or reprimanded.
City’s alleged violations span from the 2009-10 season through the 2017-18 campaign, the league said on Monday.
The club, which was acquired by City Football Group in 2008, is also accused of failing to cooperate with the Premier League in its investigation, which began in December 2018.
City are alleged to have breached rules relating to providing accurate financial information, “in particular with regard to their income (including sponsorship income), related parties and operating costs,” the league said.
The club, which have won the Premier League title six times since the takeover, said they were surprised by the “disclosure of these alleged violations” by the league.
“The club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent commission, for the comprehensive body to impartially consider the irrefutable evidence that exists to support its position,” City added.
The allegations stem from a Premier League investigation into City’s financial dealings launched four years ago following the release of a portion of “Football Leaks” documents obtained by German publication Der Spiegel and seen by Reuters.
Reuters – This publication including information and data is the intellectual property of Reuters. Its use or its name is expressly prohibited without the prior authorization of Reuters. All rights reserved.
