Rio Ferdinand predicts Premier League chaos over Man City's 115 charges and says 'it's mad'
Rio Ferdinand has predicted chaos as the wait for the outcome of Manchester City’s alleged financial breaches goes on.
City are in pole position to retain their title, which would be their second since 115 charges were laid against them by the Premier League in February last year. An independent commission is set to hear the case later this year, but not before the current campaign ends.
Given the extent of the charges, a decision in the case may not come until next year. That has led to frustration among their Premier League rivals increasing, especially Everton (two charges) and Nottingham Forest (one charge), who have both been docked points this season after being found guilty of breaching profitability and sustainability rules.
Given the charge sheet against City is well into three figures, potential punishments, if found guilty, including being booted out of the Premier League, possibly down several divisions. The club, who deny any wrongdoing, have vowed to fight the charges.
The impasse has led Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand to question the drawn-out nature of the process. Speaking on his FIVE podcast, the TNT Sports pundit predicted there will be outcry if City escape punishment.
“When is this going to get sorted out?” he asked. “Because everybody else’s cases seem to be getting sorted out mighty, mighty quick. Everton have had two dockings this season already this season.
“Nottingham Forest, all these teams are getting docked points. Manchester City’s are just… [pretends to thumb through pages].”
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Manchester City celebrate winning the Premier League
The ex-Leeds and West Ham defender added: “If I was those clubs, I’d be like, ‘let’s see what happens with City first’. But if they get nothing or a little slap on the list, I can see them going nuts.
“When I went to a court case about racism a few months ago, he had one charge. It took two-and-a-half years! They’ve got 115, it’s nuts!”
Premier League CEO Richard Masters provided a rare update on the case last month. Speaking at the European Leagues general assembly, he said: “Obviously we can’t comment on the case, the date has been set and the case will resolve itself at some point in the near future, and I cannot make any further comment on it.”
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