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
