Manchester City released a statement on Monday, reacting to the Premier League’s statement, which charged them with numerous breaches of financial rules.

The champions face possible expulsion from the top flight or a points deduction.

The club is alleged to have breached rules requiring the provision, "in the utmost good faith,” of “accurate financial information that gives a true and fair view of the club’s financial position."

However, in a statement, the Etihad club expressed its surprise, “given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL has been provided with.”

The city added that it “welcomes the review of this matter by an independent commission to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position.”

Pep Guardiola’s men are currently in second place on the table.

City failed to cut leaders Arsenal’s five-point advantage on Sunday after they lost 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur.