The Premier League’s chief executive has revealed the future of its mid-season break is under discussion because of the expansion of the Champions League next season. Richard Masters believes it will “require an adjustment” to allow domestic competitions to flourish in the new tightly packed calendar.
Uefa’s flagship competition will increase from 32 to 36 teams next season with the introduction of a new league format that means the number of matches played will rise from 125 to 189. Five Premier League clubs rather than four could be eligible. Fifa has announced its intention to expand the Club World Cup to 32 teams starting in 2025, plans criticised by the international players’ union Fifpro for creating conditions which “further increase pressure on player workload”, and the 2026 World Cup will contain 48 teams – up from 32.
