Premier League bosses announce major change due to concerns over player welfare

The 2026/27 Premier League season is set to look slightly different with organisers having announced that they are making a number of changes to the dates that the division will run next term

Next season’s Premier League campaign will start a week later – due to increasing concerns about player welfare. League bosses have confirmed the 2026/27 season will kick off on August 22.

This will give players more time to prepare for the new campaign, while those involved in next summer’s World Cup will have a longer recovery period.

A league statement said: “With an increasingly congested global football calendar, player welfare remains a priority for the Premier League. As a result, the Premier League will start one week later next season. This will allow for 89 clear days from the end of the current season, and 33 days from the FIFA World Cup 26 Final. The season will conclude one week prior to the UEFA Champions League Final, which will be played on Saturday 5 June 2027.

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“The 2026/27 Season will consist of 33 weekends and five midweek match rounds. “The Premier League schedule will be designed to avoid domestic competition clashes with UEFA club competition dates, wherever possible.

“Over the Christmas and New Year period, no two match rounds will take place within 60 hours. This is in keeping with commitments made to clubs to address the congested Christmas and New Year schedule within the expanded international calendar.”

There have been increasing concerns about the amount of games and demands being put on players at the highest level.

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While last season, Manchester City star Rodri revealed players would consider going on strike if the authorities refused to address the issue.

“I think we are close to that,” Rodri said when asked about a potential strike. “If you ask any player, they will say the same. It’s the general opinion of the players.

“If it keeps [going] this way, there will be a moment where we have no other option, but let’s see. It’s something that worries us because we are the ones who suffer.”

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