Watford have been quick to respond to allegations that a forged bank letter was submitted to the Football Leagueas a 'proof of funds' when Gino Pozzo became sole owner of the club in place of his father Giampaolo in 2014.
An investigation from the Daily Telegraph claimed that a false letter supposed to be from HSBC was handed over to the Football League ahead of the 2014/15 promotion winning campaign as evidence that Pozzo had adequate financial resources to run the club.
Gino Pozzo is not currentlypersonally implicatedas any involvement of his remains unknown.
The newspaper obtained a copy of the document and informed the Football League as well as HSBC and the police. With an investigation subsequently ongoing, it is said that Watford face a hefty fine and even a possible points deduction.
But the Hornets have now issued a statement of their own, denying any knowledge of a problem with the authenticity of the letter and confirming that an internal investigation will be launched.
From chief executive Scott Duxbury, it read, "Watford Football Club was recently contacted by the EFL in relation to matters concerning a proof of funds document for £7m provided to the EFL by Hornets Investments Ltd in 2014 in order to ratify a change in Hornets Investments Ltd shareholding.
"The club had no prior knowledge of any concerns about the authenticity of the document and Hornets Investments Ltd has invested over £20m into the club since the proof of funds 2014 document.
"The club takes this matter extremely seriously and has instructed independent solicitors to carry out an investigation into relevant matters and provide the EFL with the solicitor's report early next month. The EFL has indicated it is happy with this course of action.
"In light of the ongoing investigation it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time."
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