Arsene Wenger ‘shocked’ by Man City charges and makes prediction over potential punishment
Arsene Wenger admits he was surprised by the Premier League’s decision to charge Manchester City with violating financial fair play rules, but he believes the reigning champions have a small chance of being relegated or stripped of their titles if found guilty.
On Monday, City were charged with 115 FFP violations dating back to 2009, but they have vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
Pep Guardiola defended his club vehemently prior to Sunday’s match against Aston Villa and is confident City will prove their innocence.
During the latter stages of his Arsenal tenure, Wenger railed against City and Chelsea, whose financial resources made it nearly impossible for Arsenal to compete with the English elite.
Wenger lost several of his best players to City, including Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy, and accused his opponents of financial doping.
When asked how it made him feel to see City facing such grave accusations, he told beIN Sport, “I was in this case where I had to fight with no money against teams that had unlimited resource.
“I know well what it is to be in that position and I just felt you have in every club to work with your resources and do the best you can.
“After it’s a problem of the Premier League to decide.
“FFP is not perfect I agree completely on that and will people with unlimited resources who come into the game today accept that they cannot invest money?
“I cannot believe that. What is the interest in buying a football club?”
Arsène Wenger offers his views on the Premier League charges which have been placed against Manchester City. #beINPL #MCFC pic.twitter.com/3038pu0PBk
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) February 13, 2023
The potential punishments range in severity from a fine to the possibility of relegation and the loss of titles
When asked if he believed City could lose their Premier League status, Wenger replied, “Very small.” I believe so.
“I believe at the moment I know quite well Khaldoon (Al Mubarak) and I think he’s an intelligent man and an honest man so I was quite surprised by the charges they face so let’s see the outcome.
“If they are guilty then they will face penalties I don’t know what they will be.”
Arsene Wenger ‘shocked’ by Man City charges and makes prediction over potential punishment
