Rio Ferdinand has joked that he expects to receive an extra Premier League winners' medal after Manchester City were found guilty of the majority of their 115 charges case.
The former defender suggested he is in line to add silverware to his personal trophy cabinet amid reports that Manchester City could be stripped of some of their titles for breaches of the Premier League's financial regulations. According to The Athletic, City have been found guilty on all but one of the 115 charges, with sanctions yet to be decided.
Ferdinand's social media reaction
Ferdinand took to X to write: "Another Premier League medal to be added to the cabinet." Sharing a photo of himself alongside his collection of medals on Instagram, he continued the joke, writing: "Yooooooo Premier League... happy for the 7th medal to be sent in the post!"
The former Manchester United defender appears to be alluding to the 2011/12 season, when Sir Alex Ferguson's side missed out on the title to Manchester City on goal difference after Sergio Aguero's dramatic last-gasp winner against QPR. Had United finished top, Ferdinand would have collected another Premier League winners' medal.
City's response and potential sanctions
Manchester City are expected to challenge the decision and have always denied any wrongdoing. A spokesperson told the outlet: "The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality. As such Manchester City FC's position remains consistent with the club's statement of February 2023.
"The club has diligently respected due process for eight years on the basis the Premier League board and executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair minded regulator, free from partisan influence."
It is believed City could face relegation and potentially be stripped of their titles after the ruling. Among the allegations are 54 counts of failing to provide accurate financial information, along with 14 further charges relating to the reporting of player and manager remuneration.
