Jose Mourinho jokes Manchester City case may not be settled until he is 80

Jose Mourinho has mocked the length of Manchester City’s financial case, saying he may be 80 by the time the club’s final punishment is decided.

Manchester City was found guilty of serious financial breaches following the largest disciplinary case in Premier League history. The allegations relate to a period of almost nine years, from 2009 to 2018.

The club’s legal battle is expected to continue after its appeal, with Mourinho suggesting the process could take so long that he might not be alive to see the final outcome.

The comments, reported by The Sun, were made during an interview with Corriere dello Sport.

“Manchester City? I prefer to laugh a little about it,” Mourinho said.

“I think we will reach a conclusion, but since I am in my sixties, I will have to be lucky enough to still be here when the final judgment is issued.”

He added: “A judgment will be issued now, then there will be an appeal. I will be 80 years old.”

Manchester City’s appeal has opened another chapter in a case that has caused major disruption in English football. The club is seeking to overturn the decision and clear its name.

The case leaves Manchester City facing the possibility of severe sporting and financial sanctions. These could include a substantial points deduction or even expulsion from the Premier League.

The club could also be stripped of titles if that punishment is considered appropriate.

Such a decision could have consequences for Mourinho, who is described as Real Madrid’s manager in the report. It could potentially award him another Premier League title because his Manchester United side finished second in the 2017-2018 season.

The verdict and any subsequent appeal will determine whether Manchester City keeps its titles and what penalties, if any, are imposed on the club.