The final day of the Premier League season could feature mandatory water breaks if temperatures exceed 30 degrees Celsius before kick-off, according to Sky Sports. All matches are scheduled for 4pm on Sunday, with the UK experiencing a heatwave that has seen thermometers reach 30 degrees in some areas.
Premier League chiefs are considering the temporary rule change to ensure player safety during the blistering conditions. Water breaks were previously introduced during the delayed 2019/20 season due to the Covid-19 pandemic and again at the start of the 2022/23 campaign.
This weekend's fixtures carry significant stakes, including European qualification spots and the final relegation place. Newly-crowned champions Arsenal will lift the trophy after their match at Selhurst Park. Manager Mikel Arteta said his side will prepare well before celebrating the title with fans.
Pep Guardiola, managing his final game for Manchester City, noted his team's preference for warm weather, stating after a victory over Chelsea earlier this season: 'The sun. In Manchester there is never the sun. If the sun arrived in November, we would be champions in January.'
