STORY: English soccer giant Manchester City has been charged with breaching financial rules.

The English Premier League has identified over 100 breaches since the club was taken over by the Abu Dhabi-based City Football Group.

The allegations will now be reviewed by an independent commission.

Premier League rules state that a club could be expelled from the competition in a worst-case scenario.

Lesser penalties include point deductions, fines, or a reprimand.

City’s alleged breaches run from the season that started in 2009, to the one that concluded in 2018.

The club is charged with breaching rules relating to the provision of accurate financial information with respect to revenue and other matters.

It is also accused of failing to cooperate with the Premier League’s investigation.

City has won the League six times since the Abu Dhabi takeover in 2008, and is in contention for this year’s title.

In a statement, it said it was “surprised” by the allegations.

And expressed confidence that the commission’s review would support its position.

Manchester City was previously fined and banned from Europe’s prestigious Champions League.

However, the fine was reduced and the ban overturned on appeal.

Financial fair play rules were introduced by European soccer governing body UEFA.

They are intended to stop clubs running up big losses on player purchases, and to stop owners pumping in unlimited cash.