WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT CLUB WORLD CUP

PREMIER League chief executive Richard Masters called for domestic governing bodies to be involved in discussions on the future of the revamped Club World Cup as he criticised FIFA's lack of consultation.

- By JAMIE GARDNER

The new topflight season kicks off tonight - fewer than five weeks since Chelsea defeated Paris St Germain in the final of FIFA’s expanded 32-team tournament in the United States.

City, who lost in the round of 16 to Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal, were the other English team to take part.

With player welfare relating to the number of matches played during a season a major ongoing talking point, Masters concedes the true impact of the world governing body's new-look competition will only be determined during the forthcoming campaign.