Manchester City's request for a delayed start to the 2025-26 season has been rejected by the Premier League, setting the stage for a clash between the two parties once again. The club had sought to have their first two games of the season postponed to allow for recovery after participating in FiFa's extended four-week summer Club World Cup in America.

Pep's sarcastic response 

In response, City's manager, Pep Guardiola, expressed his sarcastic gratitude towards Premier League officials for refusing to accommodate their request. “In the end, the Premier League has not allowed us to postpone the first two games for our recovery. Thank you so much!”

The highly anticipated final of the newly expanded 32-team tournament, including Chelsea, is scheduled for July 13, just a few weeks before the beginning of the next Premier League season. Guardiola was mindful of the potential fatigue his team might face depending on their progress in the FA Cup.

Tensions between Manchester City and Premier League officials have escalated following the club's 115 alleged breaches of the League's financial regulations. The club has refuted all the charges. Guardiola added: “For the first and second games, the club asked the Premier League to postpone them one, two or three weeks. That would be one or two more weeks of holiday after the Club World Cup. But it’s absolutely not allowed. The Premier League say ‘yes’ to us? Absolutely not.”

Premier League and other Competitions will go on in their respective time

The Premier League has not yet commented, but sources have indicated that there were only initial, informal discussions— and no formal request from City.

Premier League boss Richard Masters is fully aware of the challenges that domestic leagues will face as a result of Fifa’s expanded calendar.

Additionally, City’s injured star Rodri has warned that players are ready to strike to protect their welfare. FiFa chief Gianni Infantino is insisting that the tournament will go ahead as planned, despite players’ unions taking legal action against Fifa over the Club World Cup due to concerns about burnout.

Guardiola's contract with City is set to expire next summer, so there is uncertainty about his future with the team. He is of the opinion that the extent of player fatigue will only become apparent at that time.