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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Will Unwin

Premier League rejects Manchester City’s plea for longer summer break

Kyle Walker lifts the Club World Cup after Manchester City’s 4-0 defeat of Fluminense in the 2023 final
Kyle Walker lifts the Club World Cup after Manchester City’s 4-0 defeat of Fluminense in the 2023 final. Photograph: Ahmed Yosri/Reuters

Pep Guardiola has revealed the Premier League has rejected Manchester City’s request to delay their start to next season in order to allow players more time to recover from the Club World Cup. City are set to take part in the tournament in the United States next summer, which could see them end their current campaign in mid-July.

City have spoken to the Premier League about the prospect of beginning the 2025-2026 season after other top-flight teams and have been told by the authorities that they will not make an exception for the current champions, who will be joined in America by Chelsea.

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