What are the rules for winning a Premier League medal? Man City players who may miss out

Premier League winners' medal

Manchester City won a sixth Premier League title in seven years under Pep Guardiola as the 2023/24 campaign came to its conclusion.

City did not blow away competitors Arsenal this year as the title race went to the final day of the season but they ended on an unbeaten run of 35 games in all competitions, a sign of their dominance.

The Sporting News takes a look at which players could be omitted from winning the medal based on the league's rules.

MORE: Has any team ever won four Premier League titles in a row?

What are the current Premier League rules on medals?

The Premier League opted for a change in rules surrounding medals ahead of the 2012/13 campaign with eligibility cut from previous seasons.

From 1992/93 to 2011/12 players from Premier League title-winning sides were required to make 10 top-flight appearances (including substitute appearances) to qualify for a medal.

The Premier League opted to change that in 2011, with a minimum of five games now needed to be awarded a medal.

Wayne Rooney

Clubs are awarded 40 medals, which can also be distributed to management and coaching staff, and relevant players however that club chooses.

The Premier League Board can also award extra medals, with grounds for dispensation including backup goalkeepers, injury and the rare case of more than 39 players making five or more Premier League appearances.

Who could miss out for Manchester City?

The rules mean the majority of title-winning squads are now eligible for a medal but there could still be some exceptions.

Within Guardiola's current squad, goalkeeper Scott Carson and current West Ham loanee Kalvin Phillips would miss out.

Who are the biggest names to miss out on a Premier League medal since 1992?

The change of rules in 2011 has reduced the chances of players missing out on the glory of picking up a medal and the early years of the Premier League were littered with stars not being ineligible for a medal.

Manchester United's famous Class of '92 had to wait until 1996 to claim their first medal despite being eased into the first team from 1994 onwards.

United's Treble campaign in 1999 was built on a core of certain players, with David May and Jordi Cruyff famously missing out on a medal due to the old rules.

David May

Despite starting the 1999 Champions League final, Ronny Johnsen missed out on a medal in United's 2000 Premier League win.

Arsenal's Invicibles in 2004 included last minute substitute appearances for Martin Keown and Nwankwo Kane to seal the 10-game mark.

Chelsea's success under Jose Mourinho saw a string of well known names missing out including Glen Johnson, Wayne Bridge and Lassana Diarra, however the most infamous example is Henrik Larsson at United in 2007.

Author(s)
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Feargal is a content producer for The Sporting News.
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Dominic is a freelance content editor and writer for The Sporting News.
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