Mourinho Brands Man City’s CAS Decision ‘A Disgrace’
Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho has branded the Court of Arbitration For Sport’s decision to reverse Manchester City’s two-year European ban ‘a disgrace’.
Manchester City were banned by the European football governing body in February for breaking financial fair play regulations and breaching UEFA’s club licensing regulations while also being fined £25m.
The dethroned Premier League champions launched an appeal shortly after UEFA’s verdict as they maintained their innocence from the accusation.
CAS’ ruling arrived early on Monday morning, with Pep Guardiola’s men declared winners but fined £9m, a significant reduction from the initial £25m.
Mourinho is perplexed why City have been handed a fine if they are innocent and says the decision does not sit right with him.
'In any case it’s a disgraceful decision,' Mourinho said in his Tuesday press conference when asked about CAS's verdict.
'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 eight or nine million pounds 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.'
