Premier League chief warns of “tipping point” with football calendar

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has raised concerns about the increasing amount of football matches being played, stating that the football calendar is “getting to a tipping point.” With plans for an expanded Champions League and Club World Cup in the 2024-25 season, players are feeling the strain of an already packed schedule.

Masters emphasized that overloading the calendar and the players will eventually lead to something giving way. The feedback from players indicates that there is already too much football being played, and with constant expansion, the situation is only getting worse.

The Champions League will see an increase to 36 teams next season, with teams playing an extra two matches due to a new league format replacing the group stage. Additionally, the Club World Cup will expand to a 32-team tournament held every four years, with Chelsea and Manchester City set to feature in the upcoming edition in the United States.

Leading players are facing a busier schedule than ever, with the Premier League campaign starting in August and the Club World Cup final taking place almost 11 months later. Teams like Manchester City and Chelsea could potentially be involved in multiple competitions, including the Europa League, adding to their already hectic schedule.

As the players start to voice their concerns and declare “enough,” it is clear that administrators need to consider the well-being of the players when making decisions about the football calendar. Without the support and cooperation of the players, even the best-laid plans may face challenges in implementation.