The Premier League's 2026/27 season will commence a week later than usual, on Aug. 22, due to growing concerns about player welfare.
This decision by the league bosses will provide players with additional preparation time for the new campaign and an extended recovery period for those participating in next summer's World Cup.
The league issued a statement saying, "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.
"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.
Rodri
Rodri suggested that players could go on strike (Image: Getty Images)
"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 has been a rising concern about the number of matches and the demands placed on top-level players, reports the Mirror.
Last season, Manchester City's Rodri disclosed that players might contemplate striking if the authorities didn't tackle the issue at hand.
"I think we are close to that," Rodri commented when questioned about a possible 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."