Cape Town - Premier League side Watford are set for a full investigation from the English Football League after "serious allegations" of false financial information.
British newspaper The Telegraph has obtained an allegedly forged document from 2014, relating to Gino Pozzo's takeover of the club.
An EFL spokesman confirmed that an investigation is underway, and Watford have been asked to "provide a full and detailed response to the allegations".
The alleged fabrication concerns a "proof of funds document for £7m" that Hornets Investments Ltd, the club's holding company, provided to the EFL.
"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," Watford said in an official statement.
"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."
While the club readies itself for the coming investigation, the first team will be focusing on preparations for when Hull City come to Vicarage Road for a Premier League clash on Saturday.