Manchester City reach ‘agreed sanction agreement’ with Premier League over 22 rule breaches

Premier League champions Manchester City have reached an ‘agreed sanction agreement’ with the top-flight with regards to 22 rules breaches.

The latest development involving the Premier League and Manchester City comes as the reigning champions of England remain locked in battle with the league over alleged breaches of financial regulations.

An independent hearing involving top legal officials representing Manchester City and the Premier League is expected to begin later this year, with the understanding in some quarters pointing towards a commencement in November 2024.

Now, as per the information of the Manchester Evening News’ Joe Bray on X, Manchester City have ‘entered into an agreed sanction agreement’ with the Premier League for 22 breaches relating to kick-off delays over the last two seasons.

It is further revealed that fines in relation to kick-off delays and the rule breaches around them amount to £2.09 million, whilst a statement from the Etihad Stadium says, “The club has apologised and reminded its players and management teams of their responsibilities.”

Additional reporting from MailSport’s Jack Gaughan has also revealed that late kick-offs include restarts following the 15-minute half-time interval in Premier League matches.

A full statement from the Premier League issued on Wednesday states, “The Premier League and Manchester City FC have entered into a sanction agreement after the club accepted it had breached Premier League Rule L.33 relating to kick-off and re-start obligations.

“The breaches relate to a number of Premier League matches during the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons.”

The statement continues, “Rules relating to kick-offs and re-starts 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 all 380 League matches around the world is kept to schedule.

“As required by the Premier League Rules, the sanction agreement has been ratified by three members of the Independent Judicial Panel.”

Earlier this year, as confirmed by various outlets including BBC Sport, Manchester City faced face the Premier League in a legal battle over the organisation’s commercial rules, with an arbitration hearing surrounding the legality of the league’s associated party transaction (APT) rules set for 10-21 June.

Neither the Premier League nor Manchester City responded to requests for a comment on the case at the time, and there has been no update on whether an outcome on the case has been reached.