'There is no happy alternative to enforcing the rules' says Premier League chief

MASTERS-MIND: Richard Masters accepts the legal cases facing Premier League champions Manchester City and others create "uncertainty and frustration" heading into the new season Pic: Nick Potts/PA Wire.

Richard Masters accepts the legal cases facing Premier League champions Manchester City and others create "uncertainty and frustration" heading into the new season but said: "There is no happy alternative to enforcing the rules."

An independent commission is set to rule on the 115 charges facing City at some stage during the season ahead, with The Times reporting on Monday that the hearing could begin as early as mid-September.