LONDON AP - Manchester City was accused by the Premier League on Monday of breaching a string of financial rules from 2009 -- 18 during which the club became a force in English and European soccer following its takeover by Abu Dhabi's ruling family.
After a four-year investigation, the league released a long statement detailing a list of alleged violations of City regulations, covering a period when the team won three Premier League titles - in 2012, 2014 and 2018.
City is accused of failing to provide accurate financial information that gives a true and fair view of the club's financial position between 2009 and 18 or give full details of manager remuneration in its relevant contracts from 2009 -- 13. Other alleged offenses include failure to comply with UEFA regulations from 2013-18 to Premier League profitability and sustainability rules from 2015-18 and to assist with the league's investigation from December 2018 to the present day. The league has referred the breaches to an independent commission ahead of a confidential hearing. The city could be at risk of severe punishment. The Premier League's rule book gives disciplinary commission powers to impose a range of sanctions and the scope of such other penalties as it thinks fit.