On October 6, The New York Times reported that Manchester City and Chelsea, who will participate in the Club World Cup next summer, have requested to postpone their first-round matches of the Premier League for the upcoming season. According to Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, this request has been denied by the Premier League authorities.
The inaugural Club World Cup featuring 32 teams will take place from June 15 to July 13, 2025, in the United States. Chelsea, the Champions League winner of the 2020-21 season, and Manchester City, the Champions League winner of the 2022-23 season, will represent the Premier League in this competition.
Participating in the Club World Cup next summer will significantly impact these two teams’ preparations for the next season. Both Manchester City and Chelsea hope to delay the first round of the Premier League next season to allow more time for preparation and adjustment.
Pep Guardiola commented, “The Premier League authorities do not allow us to postpone our first-round match with Chelsea, and I really want to thank them. Some might ask, what should we do in the face of a congested schedule? Honestly, I don’t know yet because I’ve never experienced anything like this. All I can say is that we will make arrangements based on the players’ conditions and the tournament schedule at that time.”
Man City and Chelsea’s Request to Postpone Next Season’s League Kick-off Due to Club World Cup Participation Has Been Rejected by the Premier League Authorities. Author：Sports UEFA.Please indicate the source when reproduced：https://www.sportsuefa.com/football-world/man-city-and-chelseas-request-to-postpone-next-seasons-league-kick-off-due-to-club-world-cup-participation-has-been-rejected-by-the-premier-league-authorities.html
