Chelsea 2016-17 title win questioned amid secret payments probe

Questions have been raised about Chelsea's 2016-17 Premier League title victory following an ongoing Premier League investigation into alleged secret payments. Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has suggested that his former club should be retrospectively awarded the championship for that season.

The investigation centres on allegations that Chelsea made £47 million in secret payments to unregistered agents and third parties between 2011 and 2018 to facilitate transfers. Several players, including Eden Hazard, Willian, David Luiz, and Nemanja Matic, were at Chelsea during the 2016-17 season and were involved in transfers linked to these alleged payments.

Pochettino's Argument

In the 2016-17 season, Chelsea secured the Premier League title with 93 points, finishing seven points ahead of Tottenham, who ended the campaign in second place. Pochettino, who managed Tottenham from 2014 to 2019, stated that if Chelsea admitted to breaking rules, the title should have gone to the second-placed team. He believes that Chelsea received a lenient outcome with just a fine for their alleged actions.

Pochettino's viewpoint echoes sentiments expressed by fans of other clubs, such as Everton and Nottingham Forest, who have faced points deductions for profit and sustainability breaches. These fans have contrasted their penalties with Chelsea's alleged use of secret payments to sign high-profile players.

Player Impact

The investigation has highlighted the alleged role of players like Eden Hazard, who was signed in 2012 for £32 million. Between May 2013 and August 2016, seven payments totalling £5.6 million were reportedly made to an unregistered agent in connection with Hazard's transfer. During the 2016-17 season, Hazard was a key player for Chelsea, starting 36 Premier League games, scoring 16 goals, and providing five assists. His contributions were significant, including scoring the opening goal in victories against West Ham and Manchester City, and scoring both goals in another win against Manchester City.

Willian, who joined Chelsea in 2013, was also involved in transfers linked to alleged payments totalling £19.2 million to unregistered entities. In the 2016-17 season, he made 34 appearances, scoring eight goals and providing eight assists. His attacking contributions were crucial in four matches, helping Chelsea secure eight points from those fixtures. Chelsea's acquisition of Willian is noted as a moment where they secured the player ahead of Tottenham.

Nemanja Matic and David Luiz were also at Chelsea during the 2016-17 season. Payments totalling £5.1 million were reportedly made between 2012 and 2015 for talent identification services in relation to registrations including Luiz and Matic. Matic played 35 league games that season, contributing one goal and seven assists, with one assist proving decisive in a 2-1 win against Tottenham. Luiz started 33 matches and scored one goal, the opener in a 1-1 draw at Liverpool.

Title Race Context

Tottenham's challenge for the 2016-17 title was strong, with the team winning 12 of their final 13 matches to finish on 86 points. However, Chelsea's consistency, with 11 wins in their last 13 games, secured them the title with 93 points. While Tottenham's points tally would have been sufficient to win the league in some previous seasons, it was not enough in 2016-17. Tottenham's issue was a number of draws at the start of the campaign, with only five victories in their first 11 unbeaten matches.

The potential impact of Hazard and Willian's attacking contributions in eight different matches leading to points is considered a significant factor. Beyond direct match outcomes, the sporting advantage gained from signing top players like Hazard, which enabled Chelsea to win trophies and attract further talent, is also a consideration.

Next Steps

The Premier League investigation into Chelsea's alleged breaches is ongoing, and no verdict has yet been reached. This situation is separate from the 115 charges faced by Manchester City for alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules, for which a verdict is also pending.