Jose Mourinho fires Man City FFP dig amid Liverpool and Steven Gerrard title reminder

Jose Mourinho has of him and potentially claiming retrospective glory if Manchester City's financial controversies result in convictions. The Red Devils and the Reds were bested by the Sky Blues for the crown during times now scrutinized by the Premier League's investigation into over 100 alleged FFP violations.

Flashback to when clinched the Premier League thrice within the critical period: Liverpool closely trailed in the memorable 2013/14 campaign with at the helm and as skipper, while United secured the runner-up spots in both 2012/13 and 2017/18.

Even though Liverpool had two heart-wrenching near-misses under Jurgen Kloppin 2018/19 and 2021/22, those seasons fall outside the contentious FFP dates, leaving them out of the equation for any potential City dethronement. Amid strong denials from Manchester City and a verdict anticipated only around late November, the debate rages on.

Fenerbahce boss Mourinho, reflecting on the 2017/18 season where he orchestrated United's silver finish, mused on Wednesday, "I think we still have a chance to win that league, maybe they punish Manchester City with points and we win that league," before wittily adding, "They have to pay me the bonus and give me the medal."

The direct stripping of titles as a potential punishment remains uncertain, with the severity likely hinging on the number and nature of proven allegations. The charges exceed 100 in total, primarily falling into categories of illicit financing, non-cooperation, and finance rule breaches.

The Premier League handbook grants an appointed commission broad powers, encompassing point deductions, fines imposition, and even recommending a club's expulsion from the league. However, there is some ambiguity regarding the possibility of retrospective point deductions or direct title stripping.

It's important to note that City vehemently denies any wrongdoing. Rule W51.10 in the Premier League handbook permits the commission to "make such other order as it thinks fit", although this clause doesn't appear under the subsection where the 'respondent' is a club, not individuals.

Moreover, there's no certainty that the runners-up to Manchester City in the respective seasons would receive the title. Consequently, those league campaigns could end up without a trophy.

Liverpool.com says: You can always rely on Mourinho to come up with a statement or two in a press conference! Ultimately, there is very little chance that titles will be retrospectively awarded.