English Football League (EFL) says expanded European competitions cause fixture clashes, undermining the League Cup and domestic football calendar.
LONDON: The English Football League (EFL) has criticised how fixture congestion from expanded European cup competitions is undermining the League Cup.
This statement came after confirming Crystal Palace’s quarter-final match against Arsenal will take place on December 23.
FA Cup holders Palace and Premier League leaders Arsenal will now meet at the Emirates Stadium just before Christmas.
The scheduling means Palace must play four matches in just nine days unless further changes occur.
Palace will host Manchester City on December 14 before facing Finnish side KuPS at Selhurst Park on the 18th.
They then travel to Leeds United on December 21 with the Arsenal match in North London two days later.
The EFL acknowledged the challenge this schedule presents particularly to Arsenal and Crystal Palace.
It also recognised the frustration and concern this will cause for both clubs’ managers and players.
The league stated these are concerns which it also shares regarding the fixture pile-up.
The EFL blamed the expansion of European cup competitions for creating these scheduling problems.
It said this expansion was implemented without adequate consultation with domestic leagues.
This lack of consultation meant scheduling clashes with the League Cup became unavoidable.
Making endless concessions only serves to undermine the reputation of the EFL Cup according to the league.
The competition delivers vital revenue to EFL clubs and provides millions of fans with Wembley opportunities.
Fixture congestion also challenges the traditional scheduling of the English football calendar.
It affects the strength of domestic football by reducing preparation time and team selection options.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta also expressed his unhappiness with the scheduling change.
He made these comments ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League match at Slavia Prague.
Arteta said playing two days later does not make any sense and hoped the Premier League match would move.
Arsenal are currently scheduled to play at Everton on December 21 according to existing fixtures. – Reuters
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