Watford faces probe over alleged false financial information

Posted October 25, 2016 7:00 am

The Associated Press

LONDON (AP) - English soccer authorities are investigating newspaper allegations that Watford supplied falsified financial information to allow Italian businessman Gino Pozzo to become the club's owner.

The Daily Telegraph reported Tuesday it has obtained a forged bank letter submitted by Watford to provide proof that Pozzo had enough funds to take over the club before the 2014-15 season. Watford won promotion to the Premier League that season.

The English Football League, which runs the three divisions below the Premier League, says "we immediately commenced a disciplinary investigation into serious allegations made against Watford" after receiving information by the Daily Telegraph.

The EFL has asked Watford to "provide a full and detailed response to the allegations."

Watford chief executive Scott Duxbury said in a statement that "the club takes this matter extremely seriously and has instructed independent solicitors to carry out an investigation."

Watford head coach Walter Mazzarri watches from the dugout during the English Premier League soccer match between Swansea City and Watford at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea, Wales, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016. (Simon Galloway/PA via AP) The Associated Press

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