Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has criticised the tight fixture schedule facing his team in December. He called it “irresponsible” to ask his players to compete in two matches within three days after the club reached the EFL Cup quarter-finals.
Packed December for Palace
The Eagles face a demanding schedule. They host Manchester City on Sunday, 14 December, then meet KuPS in the Conference League on Thursday, 18 December. Three days later, on Sunday, 21 December, they travel to Leeds United. Arsenal, their quarter-final opponent in the EFL Cup, reportedly wants to play the tie on Tuesday, 16 December. That would force Palace into three games in five days, four in eight, or five in just 11 days.
Glasner expressed disbelief at the situation. “I can’t believe this won’t be fixed,” he said. “It would be irresponsible for the players. We have a duty to protect their welfare, not only for our club but across football.”
He added that he felt “really upset” when he first heard of the possible schedule. “I couldn’t believe they were even considering this.”
Scheduling strain hits European football
The European calendar now includes ten midweeks instead of six, as it did two seasons ago. Each of the three continental competitions – the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League – now has its own dedicated week for visibility.
This change has created major logistical problems. The EFL Cup’s third round had to be spread over two weeks to avoid clashes with clubs playing in Europe. That adjustment worked, but December’s back-to-back Conference League games now overlap with the traditional slot for the EFL Cup quarter-finals.
This overlap meant it was inevitable that one Premier League club would face clashes between competitions. Last season, Chelsea narrowly avoided the same problem after losing at Newcastle United in the fourth round. This year, the issue has arrived.
Glasner urges football bodies to communicate
In recent years, clubs such as Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have also faced congested weeks. Those situations showed little regard for player welfare, despite an agreement between Fifa and player unions for a 72-hour rest minimum between matches.
“I’m really upset,” Glasner said. “I spoke about this three months ago when I saw the schedule in the summer. People are responsible for this, and I wish they would talk to each other.”
He called for better coordination between Uefa, the Premier League and the Football Association. “It would be nice if they all talked together. Maybe it’s too late for this year, but it must be sorted in future. Playing on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday is irresponsible.”
Glasner suggested one alternative. “We play Leeds on the 21st and again on the 28th. There’s no Boxing Day match, so the schedule could be adjusted. But these decisions are made without consultation. Talking together is their job, and they get paid for it.”
No easy fix for fixture chaos
Even if Palace successfully avoid the proposed 16 December date, there’s no perfect solution. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admitted, “Every fixture decision must be guided by two things: player welfare and supporters.”
If the game takes place on Tuesday, 23 December, both teams would have only 48 hours of rest after their weekend Premier League matches. Arsenal visit Everton, while Palace face Leeds.
Arsenal might argue that the disruption isn’t their fault. Palace could counter that the change would at least ensure both sides face the same physical demands.
Christmas Eve dilemma
Playing on Wednesday, 24 December, has been discussed but poses major problems. London’s transport system begins shutting down after 7pm, making an evening match with 60,000 fans impossible. An afternoon kickoff before 4pm could work, but it’s a working day, leaving supporters in a difficult position.
Last year, Wolves and Chelsea played on Christmas Eve for the first time in 28 years. That 1pm Sunday kickoff caused heavy criticism but was at least manageable.
Now, Palace, Arsenal, and the organisers must find a solution that minimises disruption. Yet whichever day they choose, someone – whether players or fans – will feel the strain.
