Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has expressed concerns that this year’s Club World Cup may pose significant challenges for Manchester City and Chelsea as they prepare for the upcoming English top-flight season.
Both clubs will represent England in FIFA’s expanded 32-team tournament taking place in the United States. Players’ unions have indicated the possibility of legal action based on welfare issues, while national leagues have voiced their dissatisfaction regarding the potential repercussions on their own competitions.
The final of the Club World Cup is scheduled for July 13, with the 2025/26 Premier League season set to commence on August 16.
“The leagues and the players’ unions are dissatisfied with the decisions being made at a global level,” Masters stated in an interview with Sky Sports.
“We have observed the introduction of the Club World Cup, which will undoubtedly affect the Premier League.
“If either Manchester City or Chelsea reaches the final of that tournament, the Premier League will begin just four weeks later, and all players are contractually entitled to three weeks of rest.
“So, how will that be managed? I would say it will be quite challenging.”
- ‘Premier League not a pension fund’ –
In addition, Masters emphasized that English football is “not on a financial precipice,” reiterating the Premier League’s apprehensions regarding the potential effects of an independent regulator on the sport.
During the 2023/24 season, the Premier League incurred over £45 million ($56 million) in legal expenses while striving to maintain its regulations amid challenges from various clubs.
Furthermore, the Premier League is expected to face additional substantial legal costs this season, particularly due to the ongoing major disciplinary case against Manchester City.
The reigning champions were charged in 2023 with over 100 alleged violations of the Premier League’s financial regulations.
An independent commission reviewed the case from September to December, and a decision is currently awaited.
City has also questioned the legality of the league’s associated party transaction (APT) regulations, which are designed to ensure that transactions with organizations connected to a club’s ownership are conducted at fair market value.
The objective of both the current and previous British governments in advocating for an independent regulator is to protect the financial viability of clubs within the top five tiers of English football.
However, Masters emphasized that an excess of regulations could undermine the excitement that is fundamental to the Premier League’s appeal.
“We possess that element of risk, that ongoing thrill of captivating entertainment,” he stated.
“There are numerous factors contributing to the Premier League’s global appeal, but I believe that this aspect distinguishes us from others.”
He further remarked, “We have consistently supported investment within reasonable risk parameters. The Premier League is not a pension fund; it is a venue where capital is exposed to risk. There is no guarantee of outcomes—this uncertainty is what makes it engaging.
“We are concerned that a new regulatory body might adopt a risk-averse stance, potentially limiting clubs’ capacity to invest. The ability to invest is crucial for maintaining competitive balance and the element of risk that I have mentioned.”
