Manchester City has been fined 2 million pounds (10 Crore Inr) by the English Premier League authorities for 22 cases of delayed kick-offs in the last two seasons, AFP reported on Wednesday (31/7) local time.
"The Premier League and Manchester City FC have entered into a sanctions agreement after the club admitted to violating Premier League Regulation L.33 regarding kick-off and restart obligations," said the official statement from the English Premier League.
The fine against Pep Guardiola's squad is not related to the 115 charges faced by City for alleged violations of the club's financial regulations.
The English League authorities impose a fine of 10,000 to 200,000 pounds for each kick-off violation.
One of the most prominent kick-off time violations was when The Citizens delayed for 1 minute 18 seconds in a match against Crystal Palace in August 2022.
Meanwhile, the longest delay made by Manchester City was against West Ham last season, for 2 minutes and 46 seconds.
"The rules relating to kick-off and restart were put in place to ensure the competition is run to the highest possible professional standards and to provide certainty to fans and participating clubs," the Premier League statement continued.
"To ensure the broadcast of all 380 Premier League matches worldwide as scheduled," they said.
"The club has apologised for any breaches received... and confirms that it has reminded the club's players and teams within the football management team of their responsibilities in complying with regulation L.33," the ruling said in response to Manchester City's response.