Watford investigated by Football League over 'forged bank letter' claims

Watford have made their best start to a Premier League season with 12 points from nine games

Watford are being investigated by the Football League for allegedly supplying false financial information.

The Telegraph newspaper claims it has obtained a forged bank letter submitted when Gino Pozzo became the Hornets owner before the 2014-15 campaign.

Watford won Premier League promotion that season, and could have points deducted or be fined if they are found to be at fault.

Watford said they are carrying out an internal investigation.

An EFL spokesman confirmed it had started an investigation into "serious allegations" and had contacted the club after receiving information from the newspaper.

He said Watford had been asked to "provide a full and detailed response to the allegations".

The Telegraph claims the "fabricated" document shows that the holding company which owns Watford - Hornets Investment Ltd - had enough money to be issued a bank guarantee of up to £7m and therefore allow Italian Pozzo to take control of the club.

The newspaper says there is no indication that Pozzo himself knew that the letter had been obtained or submitted on his behalf.

In a statement, Watford said it had "no prior knowledge of any concerns about the authenticity of the document" and that more than £20m had been invested in the club since the takeover.

It said the club "takes this matter extremely seriously" and would report back to the EFL next month.