Thursday briefing: Premier League refuses later start for Manchester City and Chelsea after Club World Cup

RFEF estimates €540 million will be invested to refurbish 11 stadiums for 2030 World Cup
English National League clubs write to EFL requesting third promotion spot
Watzke admits progress needed by Borussia Dortmund sporting management
Lotito targets completion of new Lazio stadium by 2029
NWSL must create $5 million fund for players after abuse scandal settlement

The Premier League’s chief football officer Tony Scholes has said that Chelsea and Manchester City will not be permitted to start the 2025/26 season later if they get to the final of the expanded Club World Cup.

Scholes said the league’s stance is simply down to the fact the “calendar is squeezed as much as it can be”, and attributed the issue to a problem “imposed upon us, particularly by FIFA”.

Progress through the competition could create complicated decision

Do you want to read this article?

Get instant access by signing up for a 7-day free trial

No credit card, no commitments, and it will expire automatically.

You will receive a link that activates your trial in an email.