The Premier League begins today in "what is shaping up to be a momentous season off the pitch," as it "gears up for a tense legal battle with champions Manchester City, trials new financial regulations and braces for the introduction of an independent football regulator." City is accused of 115 breaches of its financial rules following a multiyear investigation, and the league has also "clashed" with Everton, Nottingham Forest and Leicester City"over its spending rules." In addition, an investigation into Chelsea over practices under former owner Roman Abramovich is "nearing a conclusion." The league is also "separately testing new financial regulations to find an alternative to its hotly debated profit and sustainability rules," which cap how much clubs can lose to $135.5M over a rolling three-year period (FINANCIAL TIMES, 8/16).
EPL opens season with plenty of off-field storylines
