Premier League Chief Warns of Scheduling Strain from Expanded Club World Cup

Richard Masters highlights challenges for Manchester City and Chelsea, as FIFA's new 32-team tournament disrupts domestic football schedules.

The 2025 Club World Cup, expanded to 32 teams, will take place in the United States, with Manchester City and Chelsea representing England.
Premier League CEO Richard Masters expressed concern about the tight scheduling, with the Club World Cup final on July 13 and the Premier League season starting just four weeks later on August 16.
Players' unions have raised legal challenges over welfare concerns, emphasizing the lack of adequate rest periods for players participating in the tournament.
Domestic leagues and unions have criticized FIFA's decision-making process, arguing for greater involvement to avoid such scheduling conflicts in the future.
Masters also addressed broader issues facing the Premier League, including financial regulation and ongoing legal disputes, while cautioning against over-regulation that could stifle investment and competition.