Pochettino calls for Chelsea to lose 2017 Premier League title
Mauricio Pochettino has sensationally called for Chelsea to be stripped of their 2017 Premier League title and the trophy handed to Tottenham. The Argentine believes his former club should face a sporting punishment after admitting to 74 breaches of Football Association regulations relating to payments made during Roman Abramovich’s ownership, reports BritPanorama.
Chelsea received a £10 million fine but avoided a points deduction or any retrospective action against their previous successes. The breaches included £47 million in secret payments to unregistered agents between 2011 and 2018, with deals involving Eden Hazard, Willian, and David Luiz among those connected to the payments.
All three players became major figures at Stamford Bridge, with Hazard scoring 16 Premier League goals as Antonio Conte’s side won the title during the 2016-17 campaign. Tottenham finished seven points behind their London rivals under Pochettino after mounting the strongest title challenge in the club’s modern history, having scored 86 goals and conceded just 26.
Pochettino, who was dismissed by Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy in November 2019, now believes the authorities should reconsider the outcome. “I have no doubt and I’m not scared to say the truth,” stated the 54-year-old, who has since accepted a new four-year contract with the United States national team. He added, “If they admitted they broke the rules, the Premier League title was for the second best team.”
Pochettino and his assistant Jesus Perez assert that Tottenham were placed at a disadvantage by what they perceive as financial misconduct, often referred to as “financial doping.” The former Paris Saint-Germain boss emphasized he would hold the same view even if Tottenham were to commit similar breaches, underscoring the importance of adherence to rules across the board.
“If we were at Tottenham and broke the rules I’d admit the same and say, ‘Look, we don’t deserve the title because we broke the rules,’” he continued. The conversation around this issue is a reflection of the ongoing challenges within football regarding fairness and regulation adherence, particularly in an era where financial transparency is increasingly scrutinized.
The debate highlights the enduring rivalries in the Premier League, where the integrity of competition remains paramount. As this narrative unfolds, it serves as a reminder of how crucial it is for all clubs to comply with regulations to ensure a level playing field, capturing the attention of fans and commentators alike.
