Players Welfare: Premier League managers announce major change

The 2026/27 Premier League season will start a week later – due to increasing concerns about player welfare, league bosses have confirmed.

Kick off date for the new season have been set at August 22, a move that 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.

Conor Bradley of Liverpool competes for the ball with Jeremy Doku of Manchester City. (Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images)

“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.”

Dean Henderson jumps up to deal with a high ball during the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Brighton (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)

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

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.”