Premier League Players Express Concern Over Post-Season Tours

‍ Updated June 2, 2025
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Premier League players are increasingly voicing their worries to⁤ the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) regarding post-season tours. PFA⁤ CEO Maheta Molango confirmed that⁤ players ‍have⁢ “expressed concern” about the impact of these tours on their rest periods and overall welfare.

Manchester⁤ United, such as, recently returned from a two-game asia tour in⁤ Malaysia and Hong Kong promptly following their final Premier League ⁤match against Aston Villa. Similarly, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United played a kind in Melbourne, Australia, shortly after the end of the⁢ previous season. Manchester City has also⁤ participated in post-season games in ⁤North America.

while these‍ tours can be financially lucrative—Manchester United⁤ reportedly earned £8 million from‍ their recent trip—they have‍ also faced criticism. Some players have been called⁣ out for their conduct during ⁣these matches.

Speaking at a FIFPRO summit in Munich, Molango acknowledged the financial pressures on clubs but emphasized the growing player discontent. “I think⁣ we’re all mindful ⁣and understand some of ⁤the financial dynamics that a club goes through, but⁣ the reality is that quite a few players have expressed concern,” Molango said. “We‍ [PFA] have expressed ⁢concern about ⁣those post-season tours.”

Molango stressed ⁤the⁤ need for a comprehensive approach to address the issue, stating, “I’m not just talking about Man United, I’m talking in general about ⁤that situation and this once again confirms the need of taking a holistic approach to the problem because you are not going to solve it if you just attack one specific competition. You need⁣ to be ⁢able ⁣to take a holistic view.”

Pre-season tournaments are ‍also a source of concern. Several high-profile clubs will participate in⁣ the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States,while others will compete⁣ in the Premier League Summer Series. Liverpool is scheduled to play in Hong⁢ Kong and Japan, Arsenal will travel to Singapore and Hong Kong, and Newcastle and Tottenham ⁢will face off in ⁢South Korea.

Molango also highlighted⁤ the intensity of these pre-season friendlies, particularly when they involve‍ rival teams. “Because you play derbies sometiems, local ‍derbies going on in the world, you cannot just turn up at a⁢ derby‍ with just, you‍ know, with flip flops,” Molango said. “Sometimes I think there’s this misunderstanding…Yes it’s about resting,but then having a proper ability ⁣to build up to that level of intensity and that level of games.”

What’s next

The PFA aims to continue discussions with‍ Premier League stakeholders to find solutions ⁢that balance ‍the financial⁣ needs⁤ of clubs with⁣ the welfare of players, ensuring adequate rest and preparation amid increasing demands.