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Watford chairman, Raffaele Riva, is expected to quit, over a forged bank letter scandal that has rocked the club.
It is understood that Riva plans to sue a former business associate who supplied a false financial document to the Football League on the club’s behalf two years ago.
The letter allegedly provided proof of a bank guarantee of £7 million when Gino Pozzo took over as owner of Watford through parent company Hornets Investments Limited.
The Daily Telegraph reported on Tuesday that Watford submitted a forged HSBC bank letter to show Pozzo had the financial resources to bankroll the Vicarage Road club. The EFL has now confirmed it is looking into the claims.
It is understood that no point would be deducted from the team’s league points but the Nigerian duo of Odion Ighalo and Isaac Success could see their club pay a heavy fine.
“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,” an EFL statement reads. “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. We will not be making any further comment until we are in receipt of the club’s response.”
There is no suggestion Pozzo knew about the false document filed on his behalf, and Watford have hired independent solicitors to provide the League with a report early next month.