Rio Ferdinand makes 'going nuts' prediction about Man City's 115 charges as ex-Manchester United star questions why process is taking so long

The 2023 treble winners were hit with over 100 financial fair play charges by the Premier League in February 2023 relating to a period between 2009-2018. An independent commission is slated to deliberate on the case later this year, although a verdict may not materialise until the following year, prolonging the uncertainty surrounding City's fate.

This delay has allegedly sparked frustration among rival clubs, notably Everton and Nottingham Forest, who have already been docked points for breaching profitability and sustainability regulations this season. And Ferdinand speculated that the fallout would be massive if City emerged unscathed from the trial or escaped with a trivial punishment.

Speaking on his FIVE podcast, an impatient Ferdinand asked: "When is this going to get sorted out? 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].

"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!”

The severity of the charges has raised speculation regarding the potential magnitude of the sanctions awaiting City. Suggestions range from hefty points deductions to the stripping of trophies, with relegation even mooted as a possible outcome.

Premier League CEO Richard Masters revealed that the date is already set for City's trials, during the European League general assembly, but refrained from announcing any further specifics.

“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," he said.

City are on the verge of winning the Premier League title again and will return to action on Saturday against Fulham at Craven Cottage.