Rio Ferdinand urges Joleon Lescott to hand back medal as Man City faces stripping

Inside a modest Manchester flat on 28 September 2026, former England defender Rio Ferdinand laughed that Joleon Lescott should return his 2011‑12 Premier League winner’s medal, a jab that underscores the club’s looming punishment. The comment came as Manchester City and their supporters brace for sanctions after being found guilty of the majority of 115 financial‑irregularity charges brought by the Premier League.

Potential penalties on the table

Officials have said a range of punishments could be imposed, including hefty fines, a points deduction and the possible stripping of titles. The most high‑profile trophy at risk is City’s dramatic 2011‑12 crown, secured by Sergio Aguero’s last‑minute strike against Queens Park Rangers.

Ferdinand’s repeated calls for action

Ferdinand, who finished second that season with Manchester United, has repeatedly argued that the medal should be handed back if the club is convicted. "Next time Joleon’s on, he better bring my b****y medal," he said on his own show, adding that the players should not be allowed to claim the honour. He later posted on X, "Another Premier League medal to be added to the cabinet," reinforcing his stance.

During the interview, Ferdinand warned, "If you’re found guilty, then I think you should have to give the medals back. You can’t sit there and say you were champions." He stressed that the punishment should be simple – return the trophy and medals.

Rooney rejects extra Premier League medal as United face City fallout

Lescott, a member of the 2011‑12 squad, responded that the players themselves are not to blame. He noted that decisions were made by people in “much more powerful positions” within clubs, and that the players would inevitably be judged differently.

The club’s appeal is described as “almost‑certain,” yet fans remain nervous as the Premier League’s disciplinary process continues. Should the titles be stripped, United would regain the 2011‑12 crown, while Liverpool would be awarded the 2013‑14 trophy.

Rio Ferdinand demands Manchester City get back the 2011‑12 title

Ferdinand, now 47, concluded that despite the controversy, “you can still admire the football and the moments they had.” He left United at the end of the 2013‑14 season, the same campaign in which City won the league again.