Premier League chief, union boss warn of threat to star players over expanding football calendar
CBS Sports
by
James Benge
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters and Maheta Molango, chair of the English footballers' union (PFA), have raised concerns about the growing threat to star players due to an expanding football calendar. With major tournaments like the 2026 World Cup, the Club World Cup in the U.S., and the European Championships set to take place back-to-back over three consecutive summers, top players are facing unprecedented demands on their time and energy. Masters emphasized that relying on these elite athletes to maintain peak performance while juggling multiple competitions is unsustainable, warning that domestic leagues like the Premier League could suffer as a result.
The strain on players has been compounded by additional fixtures added to club schedules, particularly for those competing in the Champions League or Europa League. The physical and mental toll of playing up to 42 matches annually, including international duties, has left stars like Chelsea's Cole Palmer—who has only played 19 of his possible 42 club games this season—struggling to stay consistent. Masters highlighted that this issue is not just about individual players but also about the integrity of domestic competitions. He stressed the importance of prioritizing the Premier League to ensure its strength and appeal, as it remains a top priority for clubs, managers, and shareholders.
The problem extends beyond player welfare; scheduling conflicts and logistical challenges have made it increasingly difficult to accommodate both club and international fixtures. The English Football Association's recent decision to scrap replays in the FA Cup was partly due to the strain caused by overlapping UEFA competitions. Masters pointed out that while organizations like UEFA are consulted, decisions at FIFA level often lack coordination, leaving leagues like the Premier League struggling to balance broadcast obligations with the demands of nine clubs competing in European tournaments.
Molango echoed these concerns, specifically highlighting how the increasing number of matches and tournaments is affecting players' well-being and performance. He called for greater protection of domestic competitions to ensure they remain the focal point for clubs and players alike. The situation underscores a broader issue within global football: the need to address the growing calendar congestion to preserve the quality and
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/26/2026