Watford could face a heavy fine and possibly even a points deduction after allegedly supplying falsified financial information to the football authorities.
A report in the Daily Telegraph has claimed that a forged banking letter was used as proof that Gino Pozzo had the funds to bankroll the club when he became their sole owner. The document allowed the Italian to take control of the club.
The letter, which the Telegraph obtained a copy of, was supposedly fabricated to appear as though it had been produced by HSBC bank and was submitted to the Football League before the 2014/15 season – a season in which the club gained promotion back to the Premier League.
An EFL spokesman has confirmed that a disciplinary investigation into the allegations is now under way:
‘We can confirm, following receipt of information from The Daily Telegraph, that we immediately commenced a disciplinary investigation into serious allegations made against Watford Football Club.
“The club has been formally contacted by the EFL and is now required to provide a full and detailed response to the allegations. Once that response is received, it will be fully considered by the EFL and appropriate action will be taken under our rules and regulations.’
The Telegraph passed on the copy of the document to HSBC bank and the police after notifying the EFL.
An internal inquiry into the matter is said to be taking place at Watford, and the report stresses that there is no evidence to suggest Pozzo had any knowledge that a forged letter had been obtained or submitted on his behalf.
A club official said: “There are two ongoing investigations. It would be inappropriate to comment further until those investigations reach completion.”
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