Manchester City fined for repeated breaches of Premier League rules
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By Martin Graham | 1st Aug 2024
Manchester City has been hit with a ÂŁ2.09 million fine for consistently starting matches and second halves late. The club admitted to breaching Premier League rules 22 times, citing âno valid reason, externalâ. The Premier League emphasized the need for punctuality to maintain the highest professional standards and ensure the smooth global broadcast of all 380 league matches.
In the 2022-23 season, City delayed restarts eight times, incurring fines totaling ÂŁ390,000. The 2023-24 season saw an increase to 14 delays, leading to ÂŁ1.7 million in fines. Specifically, the second half was delayed 11 times, and the start of matches was delayed four times.
Fines varied depending on the length of the delay, from warnings for the first infraction against Crystal Palace on August 27, 2022, to a substantial ÂŁ200,000 fine for the longest delay of two minutes and 46 seconds during their 3-1 win over West Ham on May 19, 2024. This match also marked their fourth consecutive Premier League title.
Of the 22 breaches, 12 occurred at their home ground. Despite these repeated offenses, Manchester City has chosen not to comment on the fines.
Broader context: financial regulations under scrutiny
Later this year, Manchester City will face a Premier League disciplinary commission regarding 115 charges related to financial rule breaches dating back to 2009. Some of these charges involve payments from sponsors connected to Abu Dhabi.
The club has staunchly denied these accusations, claiming to possess irrefutable evidence in their defense. The forthcoming hearing could significantly impact the clubâs financial and operational framework within the Premier League.
In March 2023, Crystal Palace was fined ÂŁ220,000 â ÂŁ70,000 of which was suspended â for causing delays in two October 2022 matches. These were the clubâs 13th and 14th infractions over two seasons.
The Premier League remains dedicated to enforcing rules that ensure the professional organization of the competition, providing reliability for fans and participating clubs, and maintaining the integrity of its broadcast schedule worldwide.
Martin Graham is an MFF sports writer
