Premier League Explains Boxing Day Fixture Cut to One Match

Boxing Day Tradition Reduced to Single Match as Premier League Blames UEFA Calendar Expansion

The Premier League has confirmed that only one match will take place on Boxing Day 2025, citing a fixture squeeze caused by the expansion of UEFA’s club competitions.

The only game on 26 December will be a prime-time clash between Manchester United and Newcastle United at 20:00 GMT. It marks a stark change from the traditional slate of festive fixtures that English football fans have long celebrated.

“The Premier League would like to acknowledge the circumstances that have led to a reduced number of matches on Boxing Day this season—impacting an important tradition in English football,” the league stated.

What’s Causing the Scheduling Crunch?

According to the Premier League, the shift is a direct result of changes to the European football calendar, notably the expanded UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League, which now fill 10 midweeks rather than the previous six.

This has led to:

• Fewer weekends available for domestic league play (now only 33 weekends).

• A compressed festive fixture window, forcing the Premier League to spread out Matchweek 18 across three days (26–28 December).

• The removal of EFL Cup flexibility, as Conference League group matches now overlap with usual domestic midweeks.

Fans Left Frustrated

The late announcement of the festive schedule, which arrived 16 days past the usual release window, drew criticism from fan groups and supporters’ organizations.

The Football Supporters’ Association called out the decision to schedule Newcastle’s longest away trip for 8 PM on Boxing Day, labelling it “thoughtless”.

Full Premier League Festive Fixtures

Friday, 26 December (Boxing Day)

• Manchester United v Newcastle United (20:00 GMT)

Saturday, 27 December

• Nottingham Forest v Manchester City (12:30)

• Arsenal v Brighton (15:00)

• Brentford v Bournemouth (15:00)

• Burnley v Everton (15:00)

• Liverpool v Wolves (15:00)

• West Ham v Fulham (15:00)

• Chelsea v Aston Villa (17:30)

Sunday, 28 December

• Sunderland v Leeds United (14:00)

• Crystal Palace v Tottenham (16:30)

Rest Periods and Player Welfare

In response to growing concerns over player fatigue, the Premier League noted that no team will play within 60 hours of another match across the festive period.

FIFA guidelines now call for a minimum 72-hour rest between matches, and the Premier League claims it has respected this in its revised calendar.

“We remain committed to protecting players while preserving traditions where possible,” the league stated.

Looking Ahead: More Boxing Day Matches in 2026

Fans worried that the festive football spirit is vanishing can find some comfort: the Premier League promises a fuller Boxing Day slate next season, as 26 December 2026 falls on a Saturday.