Mourinho mocks the wait for a final ruling in Manchester City case

José Mourinho, the Real Madrid coach, made light of the time it may take to resolve the Manchester City case. He joked that he could be 80 before the English club learns its final fate.

Manchester City was found guilty of serious financial breaches in what has been described as the biggest disciplinary case in Premier League history. The allegations cover a period of about 9 years, from 2009 to 2018. Mourinho believes the legal battle could continue for a long time, to the point that he may no longer be alive to see its outcome.

“Manchester City? I’d rather we had a bit of a laugh about it,” he said. He also referred to the steps ahead: “A judgment will be delivered now, then there will be an appeal. And I’ll be 80.” Mourinho added that a result would eventually be reached, but that he would need enough luck to still be alive when the final judgment came. He said he was in his sixties.

Manchester City has appealed and is seeking to overturn the judgment and be cleared. The case leaves the club facing the possibility of heavy sporting and financial sanctions, including a significant points deduction or expulsion from the Premier League. The possibility of titles being stripped has also been raised. If that were deemed appropriate, it could bring José Mourinho another Premier League title: in the 2017-2018 season, his team, Manchester United, finished second.