Manchester City have once again found themselves under the Premier League’s disciplinary spotlight after accepting a significant seven-figure fine for multiple breaches of match kick-off and re-start rules during the 2024/25 campaign. This development marks a continuation of similar issues faced by the club last season, emphasizing ongoing concerns about punctuality during fixtures. The Premier League’s statement and the club’s apology shed light on the seriousness with which these delays are viewed in maintaining the competition’s professionalism and broadcast commitments.
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Background: A Repeated Challenge for City
The Etihad Stadium outfit previously received a hefty £2.09 million fine for the 2023/24 season due to repeated delays in starting matches and second halves.
At that time, Manchester City acknowledged 22 breaches of Premier League regulations “without good reason” and issued a formal apology. While the club refrained from media comments initially, the recent sanctions confirm that although improvements were seen, the problem was not fully resolved.
Details of the Latest Breaches
The Premier League’s official announcement on June 19, 2025, confirmed that City accepted sanctions after admitting to nine specific instances where they failed to meet kick-off and re-start timing obligations under Rule L.33. This rule is crucial for maintaining the smooth flow of fixtures, guaranteeing that fans, clubs, and broadcasters receive a consistently professional and timely match experience.
Here is the breakdown of the delays and fines issued for each affected match during the 2024/25 season:
- 15 February 2025 vs Newcastle United (H): 1 minute 42 seconds delay to second half – £190,000 fine
- 26 October 2024 vs Southampton (H): 2 minutes 10 seconds delay to second half – £40,000 fine
- 23 November 2024 vs Tottenham Hotspur (H): 1 minute 38 seconds delay to kick-off – £60,000 fine
- 4 December 2024 vs Nottingham Forest (H): 1 minute 59 seconds delay to second half – £80,000 fine
- 7 December 2024 vs Crystal Palace (A): 1 minute 29 seconds delay to second half – £100,000 fine
- 15 December 2024 vs Manchester United (H): 1 minute 18 seconds delay to kick-off, 2 minutes 24 seconds delay to second half – £125,000 fine
- 21 December 2024 vs Aston Villa (A): 2 minutes 9 seconds delay to second half – £125,000 fine
- 4 January 2025 vs West Ham United (H): 2 minutes 22 seconds delay to second half – £150,000 fine
- 19 January 2025 vs Ipswich Town (A): 2 minutes 22 seconds delay to second half – £210,000 fine
Why Timely Kick-Offs Matter
The Premier League emphasized that adherence to kick-off and re-start schedules is not merely a formality but a fundamental requirement to ensure the competition operates at the highest professional standard. These rules guarantee certainty for fans attending games or watching at home, as well as for broadcasters who rely on fixed programming slots. Delays, even by minutes, can disrupt broadcasting schedules, affect advertising, and undermine the league’s global reputation.
Club’s Response and Future Measures
Manchester City have accepted the penalties imposed and expressed regret over the infractions. The club has also reiterated its commitment to compliance by reminding both players and management teams about their obligations regarding match start and restart punctuality.
This proactive stance signals an awareness of the impact these breaches have on the broader Premier League ecosystem and shows intent to prevent recurrence.
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FAQs
What rule did Manchester City breach?
City breached Premier League Rule L.33 concerning timely kick-offs and second-half restarts.
How many times did City breach the rule in the 2024/25 season?
They breached the rule nine times during that campaign.
How much was the fine imposed this time?
The total fine was a seven-figure sum, with individual penalties ranging from £40,000 to £210,000 per delay.
Has Manchester City faced similar fines before?
Yes, the club was fined over £2 million for 22 breaches in the 2023/24 season.
What is the club doing to prevent future breaches?
Manchester City has reminded players and staff of their responsibilities to comply with kick-off and restart timings to avoid further sanctions.
