Mauricio Pochettino contends Chelsea ought to have the 2016‑17 Premier League title revoked, given that his Tottenham side finished as runners‑up that season.
In March, Chelsea received a £10.75m fine after the Premier League charged them with historical competition‑rule violations.
The club also faced a six‑point penalty that was placed on hold pending appeal; Antonio Conte’s Chelsea ultimately finished seven points ahead of Pochettino’s Spurs in the 2016‑17 campaign.
Chelsea’s current owners, Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, disclosed 74 alleged breaches of FA regulations upon acquiring the club in 2022.
The Blues confessed to channeling £47m in undisclosed payments to unregistered agents and intermediaries for transfers conducted between 2011 and 2018.
Pochettino, who helmed Spurs from 2014 to 2019, stated: “We deserved to lift a Premier League trophy; we should have been awarded the title.”
“Chelsea were sanctioned and they admitted the breach—does that settle the matter? The title ought to belong to the team that finished second.”
“It is true we were not operating under the same regulations; it is entirely reasonable to claim we did not start the season on an equal footing.”
The current United States men’s national team coach guided Tottenham to the 2019 Champions League final over his five‑year tenure at the club.
During his stint, Spurs failed to capture any silverware, with their highest league placement being the runner‑up spot behind Chelsea in 2017.
“Had the same rules applied, we might have been able to sign players who could have strengthened the squad or increased our goal tally,” added the Argentine, who later took charge of Chelsea for the 2023‑24 campaign.
“I’m not merely complaining—I’m stating the facts. If Chelsea acknowledged their rule breaches, the Premier League title should rightfully belong to the second‑placed team.”
“I have no fear in speaking the truth. Chelsea supporters may disagree with my view, but had Tottenham been in the same position and violated the rules, I would likewise acknowledge it.”
