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Pochettino: Premier League clubs lived in moment of deception in Man City era
29th September, 2026 02:40 PM
Former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino says the Premier League could have gone through a period of unfair competition if Manchester City are ultimately found guilty of breaching financial regulations.
Reports on Friday, September 25, 2026, suggested that an independent tribunal had reached decisions on the majority of the 115 charges brought against Manchester City by the Premier League, with the case now understood to be heading towards the appeal stage.
Manchester City have consistently denied any wrongdoing and maintain that they will clear their name through the legal process.
Pochettino, who managed Tottenham between 2014 and 2019 before taking charge of Chelsea during the 2023-24 season, believes a finding against City would raise serious questions about the integrity of past competitions.
Sporting fairness
Speaking to the Guardian through an interpreter, Pochettino said: “At the end of the day, 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…we’ve lived through a period of deception.”
The Argentine coach argued that the consequences could not simply be erased through a sporting or financial punishment.
“Whatever punishment, it’s impossible to turn back time,” he added.
“It’s done a lot of damage. At the end of the day, many clubs followed the rules and some didn’t.”
Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has rejected the claims and remains confident that the club will establish its innocence.
City chief executive Ferran Soriano has also indicated that the legal battle with the Premier League could continue for several years, highlighting the possibility of a lengthy appeals process.
Pulis says Stoke were denied a chance to celebrate
Pochettino is not the only former Premier League manager to have expressed concerns over the potential consequences of the case.
Former Stoke City boss Tony Pulis has also spoken about the impact the allegations could have on the history of competitions played during the period under investigation.
Pulis was in charge of Stoke when they faced Manchester City in the 2011 FA Cup final. City won the match to claim their first major trophy in 35 years.
Reflecting on the latest developments in his BBC Sport column, Pulis wrote: “When do we get our FA Cup?”
He added: “That is what all Stoke City fans have been asking me since the news broke on Friday that Manchester City had been found guilty of breaking the majority of the 115 financial rules they have been accused of breaching.
“I thought exactly the same. While the process is far from over because Manchester City are expected to appeal, I have to say this verdict and the whole situation has left a very sour taste in my mouth.”
Pulis believes returning previous trophies would be unlikely even if Manchester City ultimately lose their appeal.
“I don’t seriously believe any other trophies and titles will be handed back over either. A points deduction and a massive fine feels far more likely.
“But I still feel cheated. Whatever happens next, we won’t ever get that day back and the chance to celebrate around Stoke-on-Trent with the cup and medals we so honestly fought for.”
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand also responded to Pulis’ comments, writing: “Let’s start petition to get Tony Pulis is [sic] FA Cup Winners Medal!”
The potential repercussions of the case remain uncertain while the appeals process is pending. Sky Sports News has reported that Premier League clubs could potentially seek compensation if the allegations against Manchester City are ultimately proven.
For now, Manchester City continue to deny all wrongdoing and are expected to challenge any findings against them through the relevant legal channels.
