Manchester City Football Club has been fined £2.09 million ($2.68 million, 2.48 million Euros) by the Premier League for 22 instances of delaying the kick-off or restart of matches over the past two seasons.
The English champions have accepted the punishment, which relates to rule infringements under Premier League Rule L.33.
The Premier League announced the sanction agreement on Wednesday, stating that City had breached rules relating to kick-off and restart obligations. The club has been punished on a sliding scale for each offense, with fines ranging from £10,000 to £200,000.
The first offense, a delay of one minute and 18 seconds to the start of the second half against Crystal Palace in August 2022, resulted in a warning. However, subsequent breaches led to fines, with the longest delay being two minutes and 46 seconds for the start of the final game of the season against West Ham last season, when City clinched a record fourth successive English title.
The Premier League emphasised the importance of adhering to rules relating to kick-offs and restarts, stating, “These rules 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 has apologised for the breaches and confirmed that it has reminded players and football management teams of their responsibilities in complying with Rule L.33. The club has not commented directly on the ruling.
This fine is separate from the 115 charges City is facing for alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations, which are still pending.
