Mauricio Pochettino has questioned how Manchester City’s past achievements could be viewed if the Premier League’s charges against the club are ultimately proven, describing the situation as deeply troubling for the sport.
The former Premier League manager said the case could force football to reconsider some of the successes that were celebrated during the period under investigation, while also raising questions about what other teams might have achieved under different circumstances.
Pochettino said: “It’s a very sad situation because what was already achieved and celebrated maybe was not real and what wasn’t so good could have been better.”
The Premier League charged Manchester City in February 2023 with 115 alleged breaches of its financial rules following a lengthy investigation. The club has denied the allegations and maintains that it has evidence to support its position.
Pochettino argued that the situation raises wider concerns about fairness and sporting competition, saying football had gone through a period in which sporting justice was not properly guaranteed.
“We have lived through a period where sporting justice did not exist,” he said.
The Argentine coach acknowledged that establishing the charges could have consequences that are difficult to reverse, particularly when considering competitions and achievements that have already been decided.
“If the charges are proven, it’s very difficult to repair what happened,” Pochettino said.
Rather than focusing only on the potential consequences for the past, Pochettino said he hoped the case would contribute to greater equality within football going forward.
“I hope that at least it serves to ensure equality exists in the future,” he added.
Manchester City continue to contest the allegations, and no finding of wrongdoing has been established by the Premier League process. The eventual outcome could determine how the charges affect the club and potentially reignite debate over the competitive landscape of English football during the period under investigation.
