Rio Ferdinand jokes he deserves a seventh Premier League medal after Man City guilty verdict

Rio Ferdinand has joked that he is owed a seventh Premier League winners’ medal following reports that Manchester City have been found guilty on all but one of the 115 financial charges relating to alleged breaches of the league’s financial regulations between 2009 and 2018.

Reacting to the news on X, the former Manchester United defender wrote: “Another Premier League medal to be added to the cabinet.” He continued the joke on Instagram, sharing a photo of himself alongside his medal collection from his time at Old Trafford and captioning it: “Yooooooo Premier League… happy for the 7th medal to be sent in the post!”

Ferdinand appears to be referencing the 2011/12 season, when Sir Alex Ferguson’s United side finished level on points with City but lost the title on goal difference after Sergio Agüero’s stoppage-time winner against QPR on the final day. Had United pipped City to top spot that season, Ferdinand would have earned another winners’ medal.

The verdict carries potentially significant ramifications across English football. The charges were first brought in February 2023, with the independent commission hearing taking place between September and December 2024. Among the allegations are 54 counts of failing to provide accurate financial information and 14 further charges relating to the reporting of player and manager remuneration.

Any sanctions have yet to be determined, and City are expected to appeal the decision. Under Premier League rules, potential punishments range from financial penalties and points deductions to expulsion from the competition.

In a statement, a Manchester City spokesperson said: “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.”

City have consistently denied all 115 charges throughout the process.