Former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino says football went through a “period of deception” if Manchester City breached Premier League financial rules.

Pochettino, who is now head coach of the United States men’s national team, made the remarks following reports that an independent tribunal had found Manchester City guilty of the vast majority of the financial charges brought against the club.

The Premier League has not publicly confirmed the reported verdict, while Manchester City have consistently denied wrongdoing and are expected to appeal.

“If it’s true… we’ve lived through a period of deception,” Pochettino said, questioning how the consequences of any rule breaches could repair the damage caused to competing clubs.

“Whatever punishment, it’s impossible to turn back time. It’s done a lot of damage. At the end of the day, many clubs followed the rules and some didn’t,” he said.

Pochettino, who managed Tottenham from 2014 to 2019, said he was particularly concerned about the impact on sporting fairness during a period when clubs were operating under Premier League financial controls.

He recalled Tottenham’s financial restrictions while the club was constructing its new stadium, saying the London side went 18 months without signing a player.

“I think we were the only team in the history of the Premier League with 18 months without making a transfer,” Pochettino said.

He questioned why some clubs appeared to face stricter financial limitations than others.

“They were so strict with us but also so lenient with others. Because of that, that’s why I say, it’s all very strange,” he said.

The reported findings relate to Manchester City’s long-running case concerning alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations. Reports indicate that an independent panel found the club guilty of 114 of 115 alleged breaches, although the process remains subject to appeal.

The allegations cover several areas, including financial reporting, profitability and sustainability rules, and the disclosure of payments to players and managers.

Manchester City have maintained their innocence throughout the case, while the club’s chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, has reiterated confidence that it will ultimately prove its position.

The legal process is expected to continue for some time, with Manchester City preparing to challenge the reported findings.

Pochettino also previously criticised the handling of Chelsea’s financial breaches, arguing that Tottenham should have been recognised for finishing second in the 2016/17 Premier League season after Chelsea were later punished for separate regulatory violations.