Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is ‘happy’ Manchester City will be competing in the Champions League next season, but Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho says the decision to overturn their UEFA ban is a ‘disgrace’.
The Premier League club’s two-year European ban was overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport this week, meaning Pep Guardiola’s men will be allowed to take part in Europe’s elite competition after all.
It’s good news for City, as the threat of a two-year ban from European football cast major doubts over the futures of a host of their top players as well as their boss.
However, Klopp believes it would have also given Liverpool’s rivals a huge advantage in next season’s title race, so is glad the ban has been overturned as the Reds look to defend their crown.
That wasn’t the reaction Mourinho had, though, as the Spurs boss said it marks ‘the end of Financial Fair Play’ and branded the decision ‘a disgrace’.
“I am happy that City can play Champions League next year,” said Klopp.
“If they had 10 or 12 less games to play next season I wouldn’t see any chance for anyone else in the league.”
Mourinho wondered why City were still fined £10million – having their sanction reduced from £30m – despite being left off the hook in their European ban, and referred to the whole situation as ‘a circus’.
“I think it’s going to be the end of the Financial Fair Play, because there is no point.
“If City are not guilty, the decision is a disgrace. If City are guilty, the decision is also a disgrace.
“It’s a disgraceful decision because if City are not guilty of it then you are not punished with £10m.
“If you’re not guilty you shouldn’t have a fine. If they are guilty the decision is also a disgrace and you should be banned from the competition.
“I don’t know if Manchester City are guilty or not, but either way it’s a disgraceful decision.” Mournho said.
Asked if he believes there needs to be FFP, and if so how would he see it enforced, he added: “I would like to see Financial Fair Play in the proper way.
“I would like to see City considered not guilty and not pay one single pound, or to be considered guilty and to be banned.
“But, in this moment we are speaking about Man City, where in the past other clubs have been in a similar situation and you know the results of it.
“So I think it’s better to open the circus door and let everybody enjoy and go inside for free, do it all with freedom.”
Elsewhere Klopp said that while the decision is good for Liverpool ‘on a personal level’, he has questioned where it leaves FFP going forward.
“I don’t think it was a good day for football, to be honest,” said the Reds boss.
“FFP is a good idea. It is there for protecting teams and the competition, so that nobody overspends and have to make sure the money they want to spend is based on the right sources.
“I’m from Germany, we have a club basis not an owner one. You have to get your licence every year. FFP is a good idea – but it’s not up to me to judge it [the City decision] I just think we should all stick to FFP rules. I really hope it stays. It gives some borders.
“If the richest clubs and countries can do what they want to do, then that makes it difficult. That would lead to a world league, it would depend on who owns the clubs and not the names of the clubs.”
