'Period of deception' - Pochettino on Man City verdict

What the report says

Former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has reacted to the Premier League’s decision that Manchester City breached financial rules, saying the case has damaged trust in the competition. In comments reported by BBC Sport Football, he described the period as one of “deception” and said it was impossible to undo the effects of what happened, even if sanctions are eventually announced.

The BBC said an independent panel found City guilty of a wide range of rule breaches, with most of the 115 charges upheld, covering a period from the 2009-10 season to 2017-18. The club has denied wrongdoing and plans to appeal. The Premier League charged City in February 2023 after a long investigation, and a private hearing was held in 2024.

Pochettino, now head coach of the United States men’s team, argued that clubs who complied with the rules were at a disadvantage while others may have benefitted unfairly. He also questioned how oversight failed for so long. His comments add to wider debate about potential punishments and possible compensation claims, and the BBC noted that other Premier League clubs are seeking legal advice after the ruling.

The broader context is that the case could influence how English football handles financial regulation, sporting integrity and retrospective remedies. BBC Sport reported that any sanctions will be decided separately from the guilt finding, and the long-running dispute is likely to continue through appeals and possible legal challenges.