Manchester City have received a substantial fine of £1.08 million from the Premier League due to consistent delays in kicking off or restarting matches during the 2024-25 season. The Premier League identified nine separate incidents where matches involving City did not commence as scheduled, with the longest delay occurring during the Manchester derby in December 2024. This specific delay saw the second half resume two minutes and 24 seconds later than intended.

The Premier League has emphasised the necessity of punctuality for matches to ensure optimal conditions for broadcasters, fans, and participating teams. An official statement read: "Rules relating to kick-offs and restarts 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 every Premier League match is kept to schedule."

The ruling gives Manchester City a strict 14-day period to pay the fine, which the club has accepted, along with offering an apology for the repeated infringements.

This is not the first time City have faced sanctions for similar issues. In the previous 2023-24 season, the club incurred an even heavier fine of £2.09 million for causing delays across 22 matches. Manager Pep Guardiola publicly acknowledged the problem and previously pledged to streamline his team talks to prevent further issues.

Football analyst Shamoon Hafez highlighted that last season presented unusual challenges for Manchester City, who notably finished without securing any major trophies. Guardiola's extended team meetings, intended to deliver detailed tactical instructions, may have inadvertently contributed to these delays. However, City did show improvements, reducing the number of delayed matches by 59% compared to the prior season.

Alongside these punctuality concerns, Manchester City remains under intense scrutiny for financial regulations. In February 2023, the Premier League charged City with 115 alleged breaches of financial fair play rules spanning from 2009 to 2018. An independent commission is currently reviewing these charges.

The club has consistently maintained its innocence, declaring its position is backed by "a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence." The outcome of these charges could significantly impact City's future financial and competitive landscape.

Chief football reporter Simon Stone has pointed out that the Premier League's stance on punctuality is understandable and firm, especially given the substantial sums broadcasters invest for live match rights. These contracts depend heavily on predictable schedules.

Stone notes that while certain delays can be excused due to unforeseen circumstances like player injuries, routine aspects such as kick-offs and halftime breaks must be strictly managed. One notable delay occurred despite favourable conditions: during City's October victory over Southampton, the team returned to the pitch two minutes and ten seconds late despite holding a comfortable lead and making no halftime substitutions.

The persistent lateness has led to varied reactions within football circles. While some sympathise with Guardiola and his coaching staff, suggesting their intense tactical discussions merely reflect their commitment, others criticise the club's seeming disregard for schedules and broadcasting commitments.

Ultimately, Manchester City must improve their adherence to timings significantly to avoid further sanctions. With broadcasting rights growing in financial and logistical importance, clubs must increasingly prioritise punctuality to maintain harmony across the footballing ecosystem.