Jose Mourinho has vented his fury at UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules after Roma were penalised. ‘It punishes those who want to work in a virtuous way and protects the superpowers.’
UEFA announced their sanctions against eight clubs for this season, with Roma and Inter seeing their squads limited because of a four-year settlement agreement, whereas Juventus and Milan were only fined with a three-year agreement.
Meanwhile, clubs like Manchester City, Barcelona and Chelsea received no fines at all, and PSG were only fined €10m.
“This is a mechanism that punishes those that want to work in a virtuous way and, indirectly, protect those who do not when their clubs are already superpowers,” said Mourinho in today’s press conference.
“It is a protection for them. I am struck by the fact clubs are given a pass because of their structure, stability and history, because they bring in revenue. It penalises the others who want to become great.
“This really should get another name, because there’s nothing fair about Financial Fair Play. It’s not fair when one side can spend €300m and another only €30m.”
Mourinho was asked if he had any advice on how to change the current rules to benefit clubs more equitably.
“I don’t have time for that, I am happy to be a coach. I am less happy to have to work in these conditions, because with a few more millions, Roma could really be allowed to dream.
“What Tiago Pinto did was brilliant, but it’s tough. I would love to have Jordan Veretout, a fifth centre-back.”