Manchester City has been charged with a host of financial fair play violations in an unprecedented move by the Premier League, following a four-year investigation that was repeatedly stalled by legal challenges.

According to a statement by the Premier League, the alleged violations occurred over nine different seasons beginning in 2009/10.

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The statement further says the case will be referred to an independent commission to prove, reports the Mirror.

If the commission finds City guilty of the violations, they could face a variety of penalties, including a points deduction.

Meanwhile, City has said in a statement that they are “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 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,” read the statement.