Premier League: Manchester City FC fined £2.09m for delaying kick-offs 23 times

"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 (first half) and re-start (second half) obligations," announced the English league on 31/07/2024.

The club is accused of having caused kick-offs in 22 matches to be delayed - eight in 2022-23 and 14 in 2023-24 (five times for match kick-offs, 18 times for restarts in the second half, the Manchester City - Newcastle match on 19/08/2023 being affected in both cases) for a duration of between 1 minute 17 and 2 minutes 35 - and of having done so without a "valid reason". Manchester City therefore accepts a fine of £2.09m (€2.48m).

"Rules relating to kick-offs and re-starts 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," explained the Premier League.

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