Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho has branded the decision to overturn Manchester City’s Champions League ban a ‘disgrace’.
On Monday, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) lifted City’s two-year ban from all UEFA competitions.
Also, CAS reduced the club’s fine from £25 million to £8.9m.
The implication of Monday’s decision is that City will be in the Champions League next season, while the team who finishes fifth in the Premier League will be given a Europa League place.
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But Mourinho has criticised the decision and believes if City are not guilty of breaching Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules they should not even pay a fine.
When asked about City’s Champions League ban being overturned, Mourinho replied: “In relation to the decision, I think in any case it’s a disgraceful decision.
“Because if Manchester City is not guilty of it, to be punished by some million [fine] is a disgrace as a decision.
“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.
“I’m not saying Manchester 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 the principle. Why pay £9 million [fine] if you are not guilty?
“If you’re guilty you should be banned from the competition.
“My criticism is not to Manchester City at all. I’m nobody to know if they’re guilty or not. My criticism is for the decision.”
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