Manchester City fined £2.09 Million By Premier League for Delayed Kick-Offs and Restarts
Manchester City have been fined £2.09 million (approximately $2.7 million) by the Premier League for 22 instances of delaying the kick-off or restart of matches. The English champions have accepted the sanction, which pertains to rule infringements over the past two seasons, the league confirmed on Wednesday.
The fines are unrelated to the 115 charges Manchester City are facing for alleged breaches of the competition’s financial regulations.
A statement from the Premier League read: “The Premier League and Manchester City FC have entered into a sanction agreement after the club accepted it had breached Premier League Rule L.33 relating to kick-off and restart obligations.”
Manchester City’s punishments were determined on a sliding scale for each offence. Their first delay, which was one minute and 18 seconds at the start of the second half against Crystal Palace in August 2022, resulted in a warning. Subsequent breaches incurred fines ranging from £10,000 to £200,000.
The longest delay was two minutes and 46 seconds at the start of the final game of the season against West Ham, during which Manchester City secured their fourth successive title.
The Premier League statement added: “Rules relating to kick-offs and restarts help ensure the organisation of the competition is set at the highest possible professional standard and provides certainty to fans and participating clubs. It also ensures the broadcast of all 380 League matches around the world is kept to schedule.”
Manchester City have not commented directly but the ruling stated: “The club has apologised for the accepted breaches and confirmed that it has reminded the club’s players and football management teams of their responsibilities in complying with Rule L.33.”
This fine comes as Manchester City continue to navigate other regulatory challenges, highlighting the club’s commitment to adhering to league standards moving forward.
