LIVERPOOL CHARGED OVER ZIEGE TRANSFER

Ziege moved to Merseyside last year, when Liverpool took advantage of a clause in the player's contract which allowed him to leave for £5.5 million.

Boro, however, have always maintained that Ziege made it known about his clause, which Liverpool then took advantage of.

Ziege, who is now with Tottenham after joining for £4 million last month, has also been charged and both he and Liverpool now have 14 days to answer the charge.

A Premier League disciplinary commission will adjudicate the hearing, where Middlesbrough will ask for more than £2 million compensation as they claim they had bids in excess of £7 million from Valencia and Chelsea when Ziege moved to Anfield.

"I can confirm that Liverpool and Christian Ziege have been charged by the Premier League," said an FA Spokesman.

"Both parties have 14 days to respond. They can either admit their guilt and cite mitigating circumstances, in which case a commission drawn from the Premier League disciplinary panel will be set up.

"Alternatively they can plead not guilty and a similar commission would be drawn up."