Bodø/Glimt manager Kjetil Knutsen has labeled the 114 alleged financial breaches by Manchester City as “fusk og fanteri”—Norwegian for “cheating and trickery.” Speaking ahead of his side’s Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund, Knutsen described the situation as “economic doping” that threatens the integrity of the sport, according to reports from NRK, Nettavisen, TV 2, and VG.
Knutsen’s Response to the Manchester City Charges
Knutsen addressed the allegations during a press conference on October 13, 2026, noting that the images of a celebrating Manchester City team following their recent victory over Liverpool have drawn global attention. While emphasizing that he is not a judge and that the case remains subject to an ongoing appeal, the Glimt manager was clear on the potential implications.
“If it is now determined that it is true, then it is cheating and trickery,” Knutsen told NRK. “It is economic doping, and we must crack down hard on it, otherwise we will destroy the sport we are so incredibly fond of.” TV 2 corroborated his comments, noting that Knutsen stressed the necessity of respecting the legal process while maintaining that the sport must uphold fair play, whether a club is large or small. He remarked that, “Some economic rules apply. They must all follow [them] whether you are big or small.”
The Financial Divide in European Football
The conversation surrounding Manchester City’s finances has highlighted the stark budgetary differences between clubs like the Premier League giant and smaller teams like Bodø/Glimt. VG and Nettavisen both reported that Knutsen views Glimt as a counterweight to the massive spending seen elsewhere in Europe.
“Economically, we cannot compete with the biggest, and that is why I think it is extremely exciting that we are allowed to compete against them,” Knutsen stated, as reported by NRK. He acknowledged that financial strength is a major factor in elite football but expressed discomfort with the current trajectory of the game. He noted that rising salaries and the influx of capital from questionable systems remain “far away from my values and what I stand for.” Despite his concerns, the manager admitted, “I am still involved and have chosen to stand in it.”
Hope for Future Standards
Despite his criticism of the financial market, Knutsen pointed to Bayern Munich as a potential model for the future. After his team’s 0-5 loss to the German club earlier in the Champions League campaign, he praised the respect and values shown by the organization.
“The way we are received, the respect we get, and the values they stand for… that gives me a little hope for the future,” Knutsen told NRK. Nettavisen and VG both confirmed that while Knutsen remains concerned about the direction of international football, he believes there is still much that is positive within the sport.
Questions Regarding the Ongoing Skandal
What is the status of the Manchester City case?
The club has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has filed an appeal, which is currently pending, according to reports from TV 2 and VG. Knutsen noted that while it is “a lie to say that you are not affected by that type of episode,” he maintains that the legal process must be respected.
What does Kjetil Knutsen mean by “economic doping”?
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