Manchester City’s hopes for a delayed start to the 2025-26 Premier League season have been dashed, as the league has rejected their request to postpone the first two games. This decision aims to help players recover after their participation in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place in the US from June 15th.
The club’s manager, Pep Guardiola, voiced his disappointment, stating that the Premier League’s refusal will make it even more challenging to manage the already demanding player workload. The Premier League season is scheduled to begin in August, leaving little time for players to recuperate following the month-long Club World Cup.
City and Chelsea are the two English clubs who have qualified for the expanded tournament. This decision highlights the increasing concern surrounding the packed football calendar, with players and managers voicing their worries about the strain on athletes’ physical and mental health.
A report by the global players’ union FIFPRO revealed that some players get only 12% of the year to rest. The Premier League’s response to this growing issue remains to be seen.
In September, City midfielder Rodri even suggested that players could be pushed to take strike action over the intense playing schedule. However, a knee ligament injury has sidelined him for the rest of the season. Guardiola’s frustration echoes the concerns of many in the football world, as the relentless pace of the game continues to raise questions about player well-being and the sustainability of the current schedule.
