Premier League fines Manchester City more than £2m for breaking little-known rules 22 times
Manchester City have been fined just over £2m for 22 late kick-off offences over the past two seasons.
City have apologised for the delays and agreed to pay the Premier League's penalties.
In total, the fines amount to £2.09m and relate to 22 offences over the past two seasons where City took too long to return to the pitch at half-time or at the start of the match.
A Premier League statement said: “The Premier League and Manchester City FC have reached a sanction agreement after the club accepted breaching Premier League Rule L.33 relating to kick-off and restart obligations.
“The infringements relate to a number of Premier League matches during the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons.
“The rules regarding starts and resumptions help to ensure that the competition is organised to the highest possible professional standards and provide security for fans and participating clubs.
“It also ensures that the broadcast of the League's 380 matches around the world continues as scheduled.
“As required by Premier League rules, the sanction agreement has been ratified by three members of the Independent Judicial Panel.”
Not many people know the rule that states that teams cannot delay the kick-off at the beginning of the match or after half-time.
In one incident, City delayed the start of the match by just 79 seconds, but it was enough to earn them a £100,000 fine.
The club issued the following statement: “The club has apologised and reminded its players and management of their responsibilities.”
City remain under investigation by the Premier League for 115 charges relating to numerous judgments, including financial stipulations.
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The charges relate to failure to comply with regulations for the 2009/2010 season.
The Premier League champions vehemently deny any wrongdoing.
A hearing before an independent panel is scheduled to take place in November, 18 months after the charges were initially announced.
It has been alleged that the City He could even be relegated If found guilty.
City have won the Premier League four times in a row, a feat never before achieved, and will be looking to defend their crown for a fifth consecutive time next season.
