Introduction

Premier League clubs faced a staggering £255 million loss in wages due to the first winter World Cup, and they could soon face a similar financial blow.

Impact of the World Cup

A study by insurance group Howden revealed that Premier League players were sidelined for an average of five extra days per injury after the tournament. This disruption was caused by the dash to the desert and resulted in significant injury woes for Premier League clubs.

Mounting Pressure on Uefa and Fifa

The financial impact of the winter World Cup has raised concerns about the expansion plans of Uefa and Fifa. With back-to-back major tournaments at the club and international level this summer, the pressure is mounting for these organizations to reconsider their expansion strategies.

Manchester City's Success

Despite sending 16 players to the World Cup, Manchester City experienced fewer player absences compared to their rivals. Their deeper squad and effective rotation strategies may have played a crucial role in their title-winning campaign.

Premier League Clubs Worst Affected

Premier League clubs were hit the hardest in the two months following the World Cup, with 49 players ruled out due to injuries. This suggests that the physical demands of the English top flight took a toll on the players.

Future Challenges

The upcoming Euro 2024 and South America's Copa America tournaments will further increase the demands on players. Additionally, the expansion of the Club World Cup in 2025 and the 48-nation World Cup in 2026 will pose significant challenges for Premier League clubs.

Concerns Raised by PFA Chief Executive

PFA chief executive Maheta Molongo has expressed concerns about the excessive number of matches and demanding schedules faced by top players. He believes that there should be a maximum limit on the number of games played per season and a minimum amount of rest required each year.

Source: [Insurance group Howden]