Manchester City fined over £2m for multiple delayed kick-Offs
Manchester City faces a hefty £2.09 million fine from the Premier League after repeatedly delaying match kick-offs and restarts. The Premier League champions accumulated 22 infractions over the past two seasons, resulting in fines on a sliding scale for each delay.
Accepting the sanction, City acknowledged breaches of Premier League Rule L.33, which governs kick-off and restart timings. This penalty is separate from the 115 charges they face for alleged financial regulation breaches.
The Premier League’s statement highlighted the importance of these rules in maintaining the competition’s high standards and ensuring the timely broadcast of all matches worldwide. The league emphasized that these regulations provide certainty to fans and participating clubs alike.
Manchester City’s infractions began in August 2022, with a one-minute, 18-second delay to the second half against Crystal Palace, which initially earned them a warning.
However, subsequent delays led to fines ranging from £10,000 to £200,000. The most significant delay occurred at the start of their final game of last season against West Ham, where a two-minute, 46-second hold-up was recorded.
Although City hasn’t directly commented, the ruling mentioned the club’s apology and its commitment to reminding players and management of their responsibilities. The club aims to avoid future breaches and ensure adherence to Rule L.33 moving forward.
This fine adds to Manchester City’s growing list of off-pitch challenges, yet the club remains focused on maintaining its competitive edge on the field.
Fans and observers alike will watch closely to see how these penalties impact the team’s operations and discipline in the upcoming season.
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