Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes that UEFA is unable to properly enforce Financial Fair Play rulings, reports the Daily Express.
SEE MORE
Arsenal transfer news
Petr Cech to Arsenal: Chelsea’s Jose Mourinho admits he can’t prevent goalkeeper from signing for Gunners
Man Utd ace claims fastest player in the world title ahead of Arsenal and Real Madrid speedsters
The Frenchman agrees with the idea behind the regulations, which are designed to stop clubs spending beyond their means. However, he thinks that sides are being allowed to bend the rules as the European governing body isn’t able to properly enforce the rules due to constant legal challenges that can overrule them.
Wenger said: “It had a positive influence on some aspects of the job but it was never completely in place. Before it was completely in place it had already changed. UEFA does not have the same power as it had 10-15 years ago, because things can be challenged in the courts. That makes it more difficult for rigid rules.
“It will not affect us because we always spend the money we have. But there were some clubs who never respected FFP – and it looks like there has been international pressure to make the rules more flexible. The new television contract in England has pushed clubs in Europe to try to make it easier for them to compete.”
The 65-year-old concluded: “At the start, to me, FFP looked logical and easy to apply – but when they wanted to push it, it was more difficult. Now it would be very hard to tighten it up.”
The Gunners were known for their penny pinching ways whilst paying off their new stadium, but have spent more in recent seasons. The big money signings of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez in the last two summers have signalled the start of a new era at the Emirates.
With more signings expected to be made in the next transfer window, they could push on from Champions League qualifiers to Premier League title challengers next season as a result. However, with sides such as Manchester City and Chelsea using their rich owners to invest heavily within FFP guidelines it could be tricky for the North London team.