Pochettino demands Spurs’ be awarded Chelsea’s 2017 PL title
Mauricio Pochettino believes Tottenham should retrospectively inherit Chelsea’s 2016-17 Premier League title following Chelsea’s punishment for historical rule breaches.
Mauricio Pochettino has reignited the debate over Chelsea’s 2016-17 Premier League title by insisting Tottenham should be recognised as champions following the west London club’s punishment for historical rule breaches.
Pochettino led Spurs to a club-record 86 points that season, but Antonio Conte’s Chelsea finished seven points clear to claim the title.
Chelsea were later found to have committed multiple breaches linked to agent regulations and undisclosed payments during Roman Abramovich’s ownership, with the Football Association imposing a £10 million fine and a suspended two-window transfer ban.
Spurs believe they deserved more
Pochettino, who later managed Chelsea, believes the punishment does not adequately address any competitive advantage created by the breaches.
The Argentine argued that Tottenham did not enter the 2016-17 campaign under the same conditions as Chelsea and suggested his side could have strengthened their squad had the financial rules been applied equally.
He also acknowledged Conte’s achievements while maintaining that sporting consequences should follow serious rule violations. Pochettino’s argument centres on the principle that clubs should compete under identical regulations, rather than simply facing financial penalties after the season has ended.
Chelsea title unlikely to be changed
Despite Pochettino’s calls for Tottenham to inherit the championship, there is currently no indication that the Premier League or FA intends to rewrite the 2016-17 standings. Chelsea therefore remain the official champions, while Spurs’ runners-up status is unchanged.
The controversy could, however, fuel wider discussions about how football authorities deal with historic financial breaches and whether fines alone are sufficient punishment when violations potentially affect sporting competition.
Pochettino’s comments have added an intriguing new chapter to one of the most memorable Premier League title races of the past decade.
