A Swedish politician has compared the government’s handling of the economy to the running of Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur, saying Sweden is at risk of becoming “Spursy”.
Mikael Damberg, of the opposition Social Democratic Party, took aim at struggling Spurs during a debate on fiscal policy in the Swedish parliament, known as the Riksdag, on Thursday.
“I naturally think of Tottenham Hotspur, also known as Spurs, it is one of England’s most distinguished and rich clubs with an enormous stadium, dedicated and large supporter base – everything to be considered a ‘top team’,” said Damberg, who was the country’s minister for finance from October 2021 to November 2022.
“Despite this, Tottenham find themselves in crisis. They are fighting at the bottom of the table, just a few points above the relegation zone. Not because they lack resources or benefits, but because they have squandered opportunities.
“The club have been given the name ‘Spursy’, (which is) when you have opportunities but get no results. Madame Speaker, that is precisely how the minister of finance is handling the Swedish economy.
“Sweden has the power, ability and resources. We have the companies, workforce and innovation capabilities. Conditions exits for the Swedish economy to prosper.”
He added: “The government risks making Sweden ‘Spursy’. That won’t do. Sweden cannot perform like Tottenham.”
Tottenham were ninth in the latest Deloitte Money League, ranking the highest revenue-generating clubs in world football, with an estimated turnover of $672.6million (£499.3m) in 2025. The club won the Europa League in May, their first trophy in 17 years.
They are, however, currently 16th in the English top-flight, five points from the relegation zone, having finished 17th last season. Spurs host league leaders and rivals Arsenal on Sunday in their first game under interim head coach Igor Tudor, after dismissing Thomas Frank, the Croatian’s predeccessor, following a dismal start to the year.
Spurs’ two Swedish stars, Dejan Kulusevski and Lucas Bergvall, have boosted the club’s popularity in the Scandinavian country in recent years.