Legendary former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has previously made no secret of his thoughts on spending in football.
Manchester City were charged by the Premier League on Monday over alleged financial breaches following a four-year investigation which leaves the reigning champions potentially facing serious punishment. Wenger spoke out about the Citizens' approach to spending back in 2020 when Pep Guardiola's side had been facing Financial Fair Play sanctions from UEFA, urging teams to respect the rules.
"I think this is a deep question, sport is to win by respecting the rules, that's what it is all about", he said during the Laureus Awards. "We celebrate the best in every sport, but we want to know that they respect the rules.
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"If there is no respect for the rules, then it is not real sport so I think that is what's most important, the rules exist so you have to respect them. Once you go into a competition, you sign in by agreeing to accept the rules."
Similarly, former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho was in agreement with Wenger's sentiment when he spoke about City's alleged financial breaches. Speaking in 2020, Mourinho said: "In relation to the decision, in any case, it's a disgraceful decision. 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 £8-9million 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."
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