Glasner Slams Fixture Pile-Up as ‘Irresponsible’ Amid Palace’s December Schedule Chaos

Glasner: Palace’s December Fixture Pile-Up ‘Irresponsible’ for Player Welfare

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has launched a scathing criticism of the congested December fixture schedule, calling it “irresponsible” and warning that it places player welfare at serious risk.

Palace’s successful cup and European runs have created a logistical nightmare in mid-December, with the club potentially facing three high-stakes matches in just five days—including an EFL Cup quarter-final showdown with Arsenal.

Crystal Palace’s Potential December Match Run:

• Sunday, 14 Dec: vs Manchester City (Premier League)

• Tuesday, 16 Dec: vs Arsenal (EFL Cup QF) — likely but not confirmed

• Thursday, 18 Dec: vs KuPS (UEFA Conference League)

• Sunday, 21 Dec: vs Leeds United (Premier League)

• Sunday, 28 Dec: Premier League match (TBC)

Glasner: “We Have a Responsibility to Our Players”

“I can’t believe this won’t be fixed,” Glasner said.

“It would be irresponsible for the players. We have a duty to protect their welfare—not just for us as a club but for the sport as a whole.”

The Austrian coach added that the problem has long been visible on the calendar and questioned why the football authorities were unable to coordinate schedules more effectively.

“There are people who work on this. I said this three months ago during the off-season. UEFA, the Premier League, and the FA need to talk to each other. This is their job.”

Why the Fixture Clash Exists: UEFA Expansion and Scheduling Deadlocks

• UEFA’s revamped European calendar now spreads competitions across 10 midweeks, giving Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League each their own slots.

• The EFL Cup quarter-final clashes with UEFA’s Conference League final group stage matches, compressing domestic scheduling options for clubs still involved.

• Arsenal have reportedly requested 16 December for their quarter-final with Palace, a date that would fall two days after Palace face Man City and two days before KuPS.

Player Welfare and Fan Experience at Risk

Football’s governing bodies agreed earlier this year that players should receive a minimum 72-hour rest between matches. However, if Palace’s tie with Arsenal is played on 16 December, this will breach that threshold multiple times.

“We are talking about Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday fixtures. That’s three games in five days,” Glasner said.

“There are solutions—look at the 21st and 28th. There’s space. But no one talks.”

Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta weighed in diplomatically:

“Every fixture decision must be based on player welfare and fan accessibility. Nothing else.”

Christmas Eve Option? Not Viable

Another controversial option on the table is 24 December (Christmas Eve). However:

• Transport in London shuts down after 7pm.

• A midday or afternoon kickoff is impractical for working fans and would still disrupt Christmas plans.

• The 2023 Christmas Eve game between Wolves and Chelsea triggered backlash despite being held on a Sunday at 1pm.

No Easy Solution: Who Will Compromise?

If the 16 December fixture goes ahead:

• Palace face overload: 4 games in 8 days.

• Arsenal lose their winter week off.

• Fans may face weekday disruptions or holiday chaos.

The only certainty? Someone will be affected, whether it’s players risking injury or supporters navigating tough schedules.

“Someone has to step up and act responsibly,” said Glasner.

“Because right now, no one is doing their job properly.”