- Season Starts August 16, Ends May 24 Ahead of FIFA World Cup
- Player Welfare Prioritised with Adjusted Festive Fixture Schedule
The English Premier League (EPL) has officially announced the dates for the 2025/26 season, revealing a schedule designed to enhance player welfare and accommodate global tournaments. The new season is set to begin on Saturday, August 16, 2025, and conclude on Sunday, May 24, 2026, marking a competitive calendar that spans 33 weekends and five midweek match rounds.
The announcement, released late Friday on the EPL’s website under the title “Dates for 2025/26 Premier League season confirmed,” highlights key adjustments to the traditional festive period, addressing concerns about player fatigue during the crowded holiday fixture list.
Adjustments to Festive Fixtures
In a significant shift, the league confirmed that no two match rounds will occur within 60 hours of each other during the festive period. This move aims to alleviate the physical demands on players and coaching staff during a traditionally hectic time.
Additionally, no matches will take place on Christmas Eve in 2025, a decision expected to be well-received by both players and fans.
The statement reads:
“The schedule continues to allow more rest time for players over the festive match-round period, with no two rounds taking place within 60 hours of each other. This is in keeping with commitments made to clubs to address the congested Christmas and New Year schedule.”
Strategic Season Planning
The EPL also emphasized its efforts to balance a competitive league calendar with player well-being and international commitments. The season’s start on August 16 ensures players receive 83 days of rest following the conclusion of the 2024/25 campaign.
Moreover, the May 24 end date allows the league to wrap up before the FIFA 2026 World Cup call-up period, giving players adequate preparation time for the global tournament.
The statement highlighted the league’s commitment to player welfare and competitiveness:
“The start date of August 16 allows for the maximum player rest time available—83 clear days—from the end of the 2024/25 season. The season end date of May 24 2026 ensures the Premier League season finishes ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup call-up period.”
Key Highlights
- Season Duration: 33 weekends and five midweek match rounds.
- Player Rest: A clear 83-day recovery period after the 2024/25 season.
- Festive Schedule: No matches within 60 hours and no fixtures on Christmas Eve.
- World Cup Readiness: Timely conclusion before FIFA 2026 preparations.
With these changes, the Premier League seeks to enhance the player experience and maintain the league’s reputation as the most thrilling and competitive in the world.
Fans and clubs alike can now prepare for the upcoming season as the countdown to another unforgettable year of football begins!
