Liverpoool unfazed by FFP investigation

Rodgers: ‘We’re great advocates of financial fair play’

Raheem Sterling is reportedly a target for Real Madrid. Photograph: Peter Byrne/PA Wire
Raheem Sterling is reportedly a target for Real Madrid. Photograph: Peter Byrne/PA Wire

Liverpool are comfortable with Uefa's investigation into a possible breach of the financial fair play regulations because they support the system, according to their manager Brendan Rodgers.

Liverpool are likely to be named this week as one of several clubs under investigation by the European governing body.

Liverpool, Monaco, Internazionale and Roma, who were all absent from European competition last season and have recently submitted their accounts to Uefa, are due to be asked to provide further information on their finances.

The Merseyside club will hope to avoid any future sanctions by writing off a big chunk of losses as allowable stadium expenditure.

READ MORE

Rodgers said: “It’s obviously something that will be dealt with by the directors. It’s something we’re comfortable with because we’re great advocates of financial fair play. It’s ongoing with the club.”

Manchester City and Paris St-Germain were the clubs hit hardest by Uefa last season for breaching FFP rules and the City manager Manuel Pellegrini has been critical of the regulations.

Rodgers, meanwhile, has reacted calmly to reports linking Real Madrid with a bid for Raheem Sterling.

“It shows that he’s playing exceptionally well,” said Rodgers. “I think you could probably link Raheem with every club in the world at the moment. He’s a fantastic young talent.

“I’ve nothing really to add to it. There’s obviously lots of speculation every day about players coming and going here at Liverpool.

“He’s a wonderful boy who’s developing very, very well here. I’m sure at some point in the future, whatever contract we’re looking to work with will be sorted, but he’s still got three years left and there’s no rush from my perspective.”

Sterling is likely to be a key figure for Liverpool in Saturday's Merseyside derby against Everton at Anfield, when both teams will be looking to get back to winning ways in the Premier League.

Rodgers has not ruled out having striker Daniel Sturridge available, with the England striker having been sidelined by a thigh strain suffered on international duty earlier this month.

“We’ve got a number of injuries that we’re going to give every chance to,” he said. “He’s a player who’s out on the field working. Him and a number of others we’ll just assess nearer the time. But if he doesn’t make it he won’t be far off after that.

“He certainly won’t be match-fit, he hasn’t played for a few weeks, but it’ll be great to have him back because he’s a wonderful player for us.”