Burnley are now reportedly at risk of a points deduction after being accused of fielding a weakened side against Reading, one that included South Africa's Lyle Foster.
Earlier in April, Vincent Kompany's side secured promotion to the Premier League with a 2-1 victory over Middlesbrough.
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Since their status in next season's EPL campaign was confirmed, however, the Clarets have dropped seven points out of a possible 12.
This included draws against Rotherham and Reading, while they suffered their first home defeat of the season against Queens Park Rangers on the weekend, and it now looks like their headaches of late are set to continue.
According to The Sun, the Lancashire club could face a points deduction after the English Football League (EFL) opened an investigation into their recent league fixture against Reading.
It is understood the league authority has written to Burnley to inform them they may be fined or possibly face a points penalty if found guilty of fielding a weakened side against the Royals.
Kompany made six changes for that match, with some fringe players coming into the team, but it appears this decision may now backfire on the Belgian.
Bafana Bafana striker Foster, who has one goal and one assist in 14 appearances across all competitions since joining the Championship club in January, was in the starting line-up for that match, featuring for 81 minutes before being substituted off.
Burnley are reported to have insisted that fixture congestion forced them to rotate heavily for the tie, and some believe the EFL will accept this position.
However, if the organisation feels the club has fielded a weakened side, there could be some big ramifications for the Clarets, who are currently 10 points ahead of second-placed Sheffield United.
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it remains unconfirmed how many points would be deducted if Burnley are found guilty by the EFL.
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