Pochettino Calls Manchester City Financial Breach Verdict a 'Period of Deception'
Former Premier League manager expresses dismay over the scale of alleged financial rule violations by Manchester City.
Mauricio Pochettino, the former manager of Tottenham and Chelsea, has described the period during which Manchester City allegedly breached numerous Premier League financial rules as a "period of deception." The Premier League found the club guilty of 114 of 115 charges, according to reports, though sanctions have yet to be announced. Manchester City intends to appeal the decision.
The charges span from the 2009-10 to the 2017-18 seasons, with additional accusations of failing to cooperate with investigations between December 2018 and February 2023. Pochettino, who managed clubs in the Premier League during this timeframe, including Southampton, Tottenham, and Chelsea, commented on the implications of the verdict.
"Whatever punishment [they choose], it's impossible to turn back time," Pochettino stated. "It's done a lot of damage. Many clubs followed the rules and some didn't."
He questioned the effectiveness of controls that allowed such breaches, contrasting it with his experience at Tottenham. "I remember building [the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium] and not having the economic possibility of a transfer for 18 months," Pochettino recalled. "I think we were the only team in the history of the Premier League with 18 months without [making a transfer]."
Pochettino suggested that while his former club adhered strictly to financial regulations, others may have been treated with leniency. "They were so strict with us but also so lenient with others. Because of that, that's why I say: it's all very strange."
He expressed sadness over the situation, suggesting that perceived sporting fairness may have been undermined. "We went through something where sporting fairness didn't exist. So, how do you repair everything that was damaged because of that, if it's true all of the 114 rules that were broken, we've lived through a period of deception."
Earlier in September, Pochettino had called for Chelsea to be stripped of their 2016-17 Premier League title due to historical rule breaches and for it to be awarded to his Tottenham side, who finished as runners-up that season.
Sources indicate that other top-flight clubs are seeking legal advice regarding potential compensation claims following the decision against Manchester City. The Premier League initiated its investigation in February 2023, which led to the charges being referred to an independent commission. The hearing commenced in September 2024 and concluded after approximately 12 weeks.