The Swedish Parliament's economic debate made an interesting footballing diversion this week after Mikael Damberg, a senior figure in the opposition Social Democratic Party, compared the government's handling of the economy to the running of North London football club Tottenham Hotspur.
Damberg, who served as Sweden's minister for finance from October 2021 to November 2022, used the term ‘Spursy' to describe his immediate successor's handling of the Swedish economy.
“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',” Damberg said.
“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 exist for the Swedish economy to prosper.”
He added a pointed warning:
“The government risks making Sweden ‘Spursy'. That won't do.
Sweden cannot perform like Tottenham.”
What Does ‘Spursy' Mean?
The term “Spursy” has become embedded in English football lexicon over the past decade. It broadly refers to a pattern of promise undermined by failure, a team that flatters to deceive, one that squanders advantages or falls short at decisive moments.
Its usage intensified during the latter years of Mauricio Pochettino's tenure (2014–2019), when Tottenham consistently challenged near the top of the Premier League but failed to secure a title. Despite reaching the 2019 UEFA Champions League final, the club endured trophy droughts and late-season collapses that reinforced the stereotype.
A Club Of Wealth And Volatility
Financially, Tottenham remain among Europe's elite. They were ranked the ninth highest revenue-generating club in the Deloitte Money League report, with an estimated annual turnover of $672.6 million (£499.3 million) in 2025.
On the pitch, however, their form has been mercurial. Spurs lifted the UEFA Europa League trophy in May, ending a 17-year trophy drought. However, while they looked set to dismiss the ‘Spursy' tag, the club went on to sack their Europa League-winning manager, Ange Postecoglou, while turning to Thomas Frank to oversee a rebuild.
The club only recently pulled the plug on that reset, with Frank sacked earlier this month following a poor run of results.
Tottenham are currently 16th in the English Premier League, just five points above the relegation zone, having finished 17th last season. However, their form in Europe continues to remain formidable, finishing as the fourth-best team in Europe in the UEFA Champions League Group Stage.
The club have now turned to interim head coach Igor Tudor, who will begin his tenure with a high-stakes home clash against league leaders and arch-rivals Arsenal on Sunday.
Tottenham's relevance in Sweden has grown in recent seasons, largely due to the presence of Swedish internationals Dejan Kulusevski and Lucas Bergvall. Both players have enhanced the club's Scandinavian following, making Damberg's analogy relatable to a large section of the football following population.
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