Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino expressed concern over the recent findings that Manchester City breached Premier League financial rules, describing the situation as “a period of deception” that has harmed the integrity of the sport. The development emerged on September 28, when an independent panel reportedly found City guilty of violating 114 out of 115 alleged financial regulations.
Manchester City, which has consistently denied any wrongdoing, now faces potential penalties that could include fines, point deductions, or even relegation. Pochettino, who is currently the head coach of the United States men’s national team, commented on the impact of the verdict, stating that no matter the punishment imposed, the damage to the sport has already been done.
“Many clubs followed the rules and some didn’t,” Pochettino said. “We went through something where sporting fairness didn’t exist. If it’s true that 14 rules were broken, then we’ve lived through a period of deception.”
The former Spurs manager also revisited earlier remarks he made in September regarding Chelsea’s 2016-17 Premier League title. Following Chelsea’s record fine this year for financial breaches, Pochettino suggested that the title should be stripped from Chelsea and awarded to Tottenham. He cited Tottenham’s prolonged period of financial restraint, noting that the club did not make any transfers for 18 months during his tenure due to spending restrictions linked to the construction of their new stadium.
“I think we were the only team in the history of the Premier League with 18 months without [making a transfer],” Pochettino said. “They were so strict with us but also so lenient with others. That’s why I say it’s all very strange.”
Manchester City did not respond immediately to requests for comment outside normal business hours. Separately, club chief executive Ferran Soriano, who serves on the European Football Clubs board, reportedly assured the board on September 28 that the club would vigorously defend itself in the ongoing process, which a source familiar with the discussions suggested could take years to resolve. Soriano declined to comment to reporters regarding the reported confirmation of the club’s breaches.
The Premier League has yet to announce any formal sanctions following the panel’s findings. The investigation and its outcomes mark a significant moment in English football as the sport continues to grapple with issues of financial fair play and regulatory compliance.