- Pep Guardiola revealed that the Premier League denied Manchester City’s request to delay the 2025-26 season start due to the FIFA Club World Cup
- Guardiola expressed concerns over player fatigue and injuries, noting that the tight schedule could lead to further physical toll on his squad
Pep Guardiola has revealed that the Premier League has declined Manchester City’s request to delay the start of the 2025-26 season due to their participation in the FIFA Club World Cup. City had asked to postpone their early league fixtures to allow players extra rest time following the tournament in the United States.
If City were to reach the final of the Club World Cup, their season could extend until July 13, leaving only a short window before the start of the next Premier League season, anticipated around August 9 or 16. The tight schedule would also be compounded if City were involved in the Community Shield, further reducing the break period for players.
Guardiola is concerned about his players’ physical toll, particularly after losing key midfielder Rodri to injury earlier this season. He worries that the demanding schedule could lead to further injuries and fatigue.
Despite these concerns, Guardiola said the Premier League has denied City’s request for more recovery time and does not expect any reconsideration. The Premier League champions already have a tense relationship with the league, facing 115 charges related to alleged financial misconduct.
“The Premier League has not allowed us to postpone – and Chelsea, I think, all the teams that will go to the World Cup – the first two games to have more recovery. Thank you so much! They don’t postpone these games,” Guardiola remarked sarcastically.
He added that the club had asked for one or two additional weeks of holiday after the World Cup, but the Premier League has clarified that such a request is unlikely to be granted. Though discussions took place, City has not been assured that their application would succeed.
The Premier League has yet to comment publicly on the matter.