Tottenham head coach José Mourinho claimed that UEFA’s financial fair play rules are dead and called Manchester City’s successful appeal a “disgrace” amounting to “having the circus open the door” at unlimited expense .
The Sports Arbitration Court on Monday lifted the City’s two-year ban on European competition, alleging that the club “did not disguise capital funding” but did not cooperate with UEFA authorities investigating alleged breaches of the rules between 2012 and 2016.
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The city was fined € 10 million, reduced from the original € 30 million penalty, but can now play for free in the Champions League next season amid fresh talks about a wave of spending to help regain the title. of the Liverpool Premier League.
Mourinho was careful not to suggest whether City were guilty, but speaking ahead of the Spurs’ trip to Newcastle on Wednesday night, he launched a scathing attack in a process that did not fully exonerate the club or conclusively punish them.
“Regarding the decision, in any case, it is a shameful decision,” he said. “If Man City is not guilty of that, being punished by the millions is a shame. If you are not guilty, you are not punished. On the other hand, if you are guilty, you should be expelled. Then it is also a shameful decision. In any case , It is a disaster.
“If you are not guilty, you do not pay. I am not saying that Man City is guilty. I say that if you are not guilty, you do not pay. You are not punished, not even with a pound sterling. I know that money is easy enough for them, but it is Just a start. Why do you pay £ 8-9 million if you are not guilty? If not, the decision is a shame.
“If you are guilty, the decision is also a shame. If you are guilty, you should be thrown out of the competition. My criticism is not for Manchester City. I don’t know anyone whether they are guilty or not. My criticism is for the decision.”
Speaking about Steve Bruce and the work he has done in Newcastle amid ongoing talks about a Saudi-backed acquisition, Mourinho added: “I am happy that Steve is doing well and next season I think he will be stronger and stronger.” .
“And I think next season, without FFP, maybe a new owner will go there and spend a lot of money, it gives him even better terms. I really think FFP is gone. So the new owners will probably have this circus feeling opened up. door, so let’s enjoy it.
“But right now, we are talking about Man City. But in the past, other clubs were in a similar situation, and you know the results. So I think it is better to open the circus door and let everyone enjoy.” And enter for free, come out, enter again, do it freely.
“Spurs is Spurs, and I don’t think the Spurs change their mindset, which in many ways is more than correct. I’m happy with the way we think here. And for me that’s it. I think it will be the end of FFP, because it doesn’t make sense. And I repeat, and it is the only thing I repeat because it is clear in my mind: if the city is not guilty, the decision is a disgrace. If the city is guilty, the decision is also a shame. “
Tanguy Ndombele took a hit in training and is hesitant to face Newcastle, as is Dele Alli, who continues to handle a hamstring problem. Serge Aurier has had the option of missing out on the game after his brother’s tragic death in France.
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