The Premier League has fined Man City £2.09m for 22 late starts before or during matches.
The fine has been imposed on Man City for repeatedly violating regulations over the past two seasons. This issue is separate from the 115 charges the Premier League champions face for financial rule breaches in the Premier League.
A Premier League statement said: “The Premier League and Man City FC have agreed a penalty agreement after the club admitted to breaching League rule L.33 relating to their obligation to start before and after the break.”
They were first fined for being 1 minute and 18 seconds late for the start of the second half against Crystal Palace in August 2022, resulting in a caution. But fines ranging from £10,000 to £200,000 have been imposed for each subsequent breach.
The longest delay was 2 minutes and 46 seconds during the final match of last season against West Ham, when Man City clinched their fourth consecutive Premier League title.
“The rules relating to kick-off and second-half kick-off ensure the organisation of the competition is set to the highest possible professional standard and provides credibility to fans and participating clubs. It also ensures that the broadcast of all 380 matches of the competition around the world is kept on schedule,” the league added.
City did not respond to the fine, saying only: “The club apologises for the breaches over the past two seasons… and confirms that it has reminded its players and football management team of their responsibilities to comply with rule L.33.”
