Pochettino renews debate over Chelsea’s 2016-17 Premier League title
Mauricio Pochettino says Tottenham should have been crowned champions after Chelsea were fined over payments identified in a Premier League investigation.
Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has argued that Tottenham should retrospectively be recognised as the 2016-17 Premier League champions, reopening questions about whether financial breaches should carry sporting penalties.
The debate follows a Premier League investigation into about £47 million in secret payments linked to transfers between 2011 and 2018. Chelsea were fined by UEFA, the Premier League and the Football Association, but no points deduction was imposed and the title has not been removed.
Chelsea finished the season on 93 points, seven ahead of Tottenham on 86. Tottenham won 12 of their final 13 matches, while Chelsea won 11 of their last 13 to secure the title.
BBC Sport assessed the role of Eden Hazard, Willian, Nemanja Matic and David Luiz in Chelsea’s campaign. Hazard started 36 league matches, scoring 16 goals and providing five assists, while Willian contributed eight goals and eight assists despite 19 of his 34 appearances coming from the bench.
The investigation linked payments to transfers involving several players, including Hazard and Willian. It also examined arrangements connected with Matic and Luiz, although the deals that brought both players back to Chelsea were not specifically referenced.
The case has prompted broader questions about whether fines are sufficient when alleged rule breaches may have helped clubs acquire players and build successful teams. However, no authority has reported a retrospective reallocation of points or awarded Tottenham the title.
