The Premier League has turned down Manchester City’s request to delay their first two games of the 2025-26 season to allow players recovery time following their participation in the FIFA Club World Cup. City and Chelsea are the English teams set to compete in the expanded month-long tournament, which kicks off in June 2025. The Premier League season will start in August, leaving limited recovery time.
Manager Pep Guardiola expressed frustration with the decision, emphasizing the strain of an overloaded football schedule. “The Premier League has not allowed us to postpone the first two games for our recovery. Thank you so much,” he remarked, highlighting the challenges of managing player fatigue, particularly with added fixtures from the Club World Cup.
Midfielder Rodri previously voiced concerns about the packed schedule, even suggesting players could consider strike action. Injuries like his knee ligament tear this season underscore the increasing physical toll on players. A FIFPRO report revealed that some players are left with just 12% of the year for rest.
