Mourinho's reaction to Man City FFP ban decision spoke volumes - "A disgrace"

07 February 2023 , 11:12

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Mourinho's reaction to Man City FFP ban decision spoke volumes - "A disgrace"

Jose Mourinho made his thoughts clear more than two years ago when he addressed Manchester City 's alleged financial breaches.

The Special One, then in charge at Tottenham, was competing against Pep Guardiola's Abu Dhabi-backed outfit. He was addressing potential charges with the club facing Financial Fair Play (FFP) sanctions from UEFA, which City had overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Europe's governing body have long struggled to implement their financial rules as clubs continue to spend huge sums. City have been among those to invest heavily, but may have finally been caught out after a four-year long investigation saw them charged by the Premier League.

Mourinho lamented the situation back in July 2020 with his comments coming to the fore after Monday's decision. He previously said: "In relation to the decision, in any case, it's a disgraceful decision. If Man City is not guilty of it, to be punished by some million is a disgrace. If you're not guilty you're not punished. In the other way, if you're guilty you should be banned. So it's also a disgraceful decision. In any case, it's a disaster.

"If you're not guilty, you don't pay. I'm not saying Man City is guilty. I'm saying if you're not guilty, you don't pay. You are not punished, even with a pound. I know that money is quite easy for them, but it's just a principle. Why are you paying £8-9m if you are not guilty? If they are not guilty, the decision is a disgrace.

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"If you are guilty, the decision is also a disgrace. If you're guilty, you should be banned from the competition. My criticism is not for Manchester City. I'm nobody to know if they're guilty or not. My criticism is for the decision."

Jose Mourinho took aim at Man City during his Tottenham spell (Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)

City are also said to have breached rules related to UEFA FFP's regulation, from 2013-14 to 2017-18, as well as Premier League rules on profitability and sustainability from 2015-16 to 2017-18.

The Premier League champions, who are awaiting any potential punishment, which ranges from possible expulsion to a major points deduction, have maintained their innocence.

A club statement read: " Manchester City is surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules, particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL has been provided with. The club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position. As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all."

Samuel Meade