Man City found guilty of 114 charges as Premier League rivals demand title medals

Manchester City have been found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges of breaching Premier League financial rules, following a process that began when the charges were formally brought in February 2023. No punishment has yet been confirmed, and the Premier League has not released an official statement.

A City spokesperson said the process “remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality,” adding that the club had “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.”

The verdict prompted an immediate wave of reaction from players past and present. Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was among the first to respond, posting on X: “Another Premier League medal to be added to the cabinet.” He followed up with a series of posts arguing that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Jose Mourinho deserved medals, and even shared an AI-generated image of himself holding seven Premier League titles. “Seriously, though, Ryan Giggs should have 14 Premier League titles. Come on Premier League,” he wrote.

David de Gea, now at Fiorentina, posted: “So… Let’s talk. How many Premier League titles have I won then?” Former Liverpool defender Jose Enrique was similarly pointed, writing: “It’s already here!!! Thank you Premier League and send me the medal soon too,” alongside an AI image of himself kissing the trophy.

Not everyone struck a combative tone. Scotland captain Andy Robertson, speaking at a pre-match press conference, offered a more measured take. “The case has obviously been going on. For me, the [Man City] players showed they were good enough on the pitch. I don’t know too much about the charges. But they had an incredible team, one that I loved battling against. I don’t think when it comes to these things that players are ever to blame.”

City had insisted in 2023 that they were “surprised” by the charges and “welcomed the review of this matter by an independent commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position.” The club’s punishment, and the full scope of the panel’s findings, remain to be formally announced.