Pochettino says alleged City breaches damaged football’s credibility

Mauricio Pochettino has described Manchester City’s period of sustained success as “a period of deception” if reports that the club breached Premier League financial rules are confirmed. City are reportedly believed to have been found guilty of most of the 115 charges brought against them. The decision was said to have been reached by an independent commission, but the Premier League has not officially announced it.

Manchester City has strongly denied the charges. Club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said on Saturday that he remained confident the club would prove its innocence. The allegations cover the period from 2009-10 to 2017-18, while the club is also accused of failing to cooperate with investigations between December 2018 and February 2023.

Pochettino said the case had harmed both City and the wider Premier League. “Whatever punishment, it’s impossible to turn back time,” he told reporters, arguing that clubs which followed the rules had competed under different conditions. The possible sanctions have not been determined.

They could include a points deduction, expulsion from the Premier League or a substantial fine. City are expected to appeal against any punishment. There have also been calls for the club to be stripped of league titles won since its 2008 takeover by Abu Dhabi-based owners.

Pochettino said he was unsure what sanction would be appropriate. He recalled that Southampton and Tottenham had faced strict financial controls, including Tottenham’s inability to make transfers for 18 months while building its new stadium. He recently argued that Chelsea should lose the 2016-17 title after historical rule breaches, with the trophy awarded to Tottenham, who finished second.

Pochettino said the contrasting treatment of clubs was “very strange”.