Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho agree on City’s financial position amid charge
Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, known for being vocal about spending in football, spoke out in 2020 regarding Manchester City’s approach to spending while they were facing Financial Fair Play sanctions from UEFA.
Wenger encouraged teams to follow the rules. Recently, Manchester City was charged by the Premier League for alleged financial breaches after a four-year investigation, putting them at risk of severe punishment.
“I think this is a deep question, sport is to win by respecting the rules, that’s what it is all about”, he said during the Laureus Awards. “We celebrate the best in every sport, but we want to know that they respect the rules.
“If there is no respect for the rules, then it is not real sport so I think that is what’s most important, the rules exist so you have to respect them. Once you go into a competition, you sign in by agreeing to accept the rules.”
Jose Mourinho, former manager of Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur, echoed Wenger’s views on spending in football and agreed with his sentiment regarding Manchester City’s alleged financial breaches.
Speaking in 2020, Mourinho 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 £8-9million if you are not guilty? If they are not guilty, the decision is a disgrace.
“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.”
Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho agree on City’s financial position amid charge
