Jurgen Klopp has given his verdict on Manchester City’s successful appeal against Financial Fair Play breaches, believing the decision was not a good day for football.
Man City have successfully overturned a two-season ban from European football after lodging an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, with the verdict stating that most of the alleged breaches were either ‘not established or time-barred’, though they did still have to pay a €10 million fine.
Pep Guardiola’s side had initially received the sanctions after being found guilty of misleading UEFA and breaking Financial Fair Play regulations, though the club remained confident of overturning the decision and maintained their stance of innocence.
City’s successful appeal has led to question marks regarding the suitability of FFP and speaking at Tuesday’s pre-match press conference, Klopp was critical of the decision, believing Financial Fair Play is essential to protecting clubs and the integrity of European competition.
“I don’t think it was a good day for football yesterday, to be honest,” said the German. “I think 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 don't wish anybody anything bad… I don't think it was a good day for football yesterday!'
???? Klopp's not too impressed with @ManCity's CAS decision… pic.twitter.com/O1NQ38SJIs
— SPORF (@Sporf) July 14, 2020
“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 (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.”
While Klopp says the future of FFP is uncertain, he also said he was is pleased that City will participate in next season’s Champions League, believing Guardiola’s side would represent a greater challenge to Liverpool’s hopes of defending the Premier League title amid the absence of European fixtures.
“I don’t know if I can answer it. It’s a serious subject,” he said on City’s participation. “From a personal point of view, I’m happy City can play Champions League next year, they don’t have 10-12 games less now in Premier League – no other team would have had a chance in the league.”
Read – Klopp admits Premier League title win hasn’t sunk in yet
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