- Man City fined for delays in 9 matches
- Manchester derby second half started 2 mins 24 secs late
- The club has accepted fault and must pay the fine within 14 days
- City was also fined over £2M in the previous season for similar issues
- Premier League cites broadcast schedule disruptions
- 115 financial charges from 2009–2018 are still pending against the City
The Premier League has once again fined Manchester City, this time for starting or restarting nine matches late during the 2024/25 season. Among the delays, the most talked-about was during the Manchester derby, where the second half began 2 minutes and 24 seconds later than scheduled.
The league confirmed the delay reports and said City has taken full responsibility, also issuing an apology. The club has now been given 14 days to settle the fines.
According to the Premier League, strict timing rules are crucial in keeping things professional and smooth, especially because billions are spent on live broadcast rights.
“Kick-off and restart rules are not just for formality; they are essential for high-level organisation and keeping fans and broadcasters informed,” the Premier League said in a statement.
This is not City’s first warning. Just last season, they were hit with a hefty £2.09 million fine for causing delays in 22 matches.
In the past, manager Pep Guardiola admitted the issue, promising to shorten dressing room talks and ensure games start on time. Despite some improvement, it hasn’t been perfect.
A BBC report by Shamoon Hafez revealed that match delays were reduced by 59%, which shows progress, but not enough to keep them out of trouble.
Interestingly, even in matches where City was leading at halftime and made no substitutions, there were still delays, raising questions about how seriously the club is sticking to its promises.
Another Cloud: 115 Financial Breach Charges Still Hang Over City
While dealing with these timing penalties, Manchester City is still under investigation for alleged 115 financial rule breaches linked to activities between 2009 and 2018. These charges, brought forward in February 2023, followed a four-year probe.
City has firmly denied all wrongdoing, saying they’ve put together strong evidence to prove their innocence.
“We have a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence,” the club has maintained.
This fresh fine adds more heat to a club already under intense regulatory scrutiny, as Premier League officials continue to demand accountability on and off the pitch
