Manchester City have finally been punished by the English Football Association after breaching a little-known Premier League rule twenty-two times.
A statement was released by the Premier League, revealing that the Champions had breached “kick-off and re-start obligations.”
City were hit with a hefty fine of over £2 million for repeatedly delaying the start of matches and the second-half kickoff. Some were as short as 79 seconds; however, they still cost £100,000.
Premier League statement regarding Manchester City fine
The statement read, “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 and re-start obligations.
“The breaches relate to a number of Premier League matches during the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons.
“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.
“As required by the Premier League Rules, the sanction agreement has been ratified by three members of the Independent Judicial Panel.”
The Premier League accused City of not reporting their money honestly and refusing to cooperate with the investigation—a serious charge that could have major consequences for the club.
