Premier League Denies Man City's Request to Delay 2025-26 Season Start

Manchester City's plea for more recovery time post-Club World Cup was rejected, leaving Guardiola's squad facing a tight schedule.

Manchester City and Chelsea will compete in the expanded Club World Cup in the U.S. next summer, ending their season in mid-July.
Pep Guardiola confirmed the Premier League refused to postpone City's first two games of the 2025-26 season for additional recovery time.
The decision raises concerns over player burnout, with some players already voicing potential strike actions due to the congested calendar.
FIFA mandates that clubs bring their strongest squads to the Club World Cup, adding pressure on teams to manage player fitness effectively.
Kevin De Bruyne, sidelined with injury, has requested to skip Belgium's upcoming international matches, focusing on his recovery.