FA chairman Greg Clarke defends the EFL as Watford are investigated for alleged misconduct
Wednesday 26 October 2016 15:56, UK
Greg Clarke, the chairman of the Football Association, says he is confident that the English Football League (EFL) are robust in their assessments of new owners.
The EFL are investigating Watford after the Telegraph newspaper claimed they supplied the league with false financial information when Gino Pozzo assumed ownership of the Hornets from his father Giampaolo in 2014.
Questions have been raised as to why the EFL did not spot the potential irregularity at the time of the changeover but Clarke, who was at the Football League at the time of the alleged misconduct, has defended his former employers.
"I think the system is very robust," he told Sky Sports News HQ. "I don't want to comment on specific allegations but we check the veracity of information we are given.
"I believe that the EFL discovered the irregularities during that investigation and it came out in the press.
"It's a very diligent process overseen by the regulatory and legal team at the Football League and I'm glad to see it's working."
Watford won Premier League promotion in 2015, surviving under Quique Sanchez Flores, but they could have points deducted or face a fine if they are found to be guilty of misconduct.
However, Clarke said: "I wouldn't prejudge what the sanction should be until I know what the crime is.
"My view is that every misfeasance in football, where someone does something wrong should be punished. We don't have tolerance for misfeasance and depending on the severity of the crime that has been committed, there should be an appropriate sanction."
Both Watford and the EFL have confirmed they are investigating the Telegraph's allegations.
