“THE PREMIR LEAGUE decided to stage only ONE match on Boxing Day this season. December 26 is a date traditionally rich in footballing action, especially in the Prem. Sign up for the Man United newsletter Thank you! The Premier League will only stage one match this season Credit: Alamy Live News. The Prem pointed at”, — write: www.thesun.co.uk
December 26 is a date traditionally rich in footballing action, especially in the Prem.
Thank you!
The Premier League will only stage one match this seasonCredit: Alamy Live News.
The Prem pointed at the ‘expansion of European club competitions’ as the reason they came to that decisionCredit: Getty Images But the powers that be decided this year they will only stage Manchester United vs Newcastle at Old Trafford.
Prem officials pointed at the “expansion of European club competitions” as the reason they came to that decision.
However, football chiefs promised next season will be different.
The Premier League stated: “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.
“There are now several challenges to Premier League fixture scheduling rooted in the expansion of European club competitions – which led to a revision of our domestic calendar ahead of last season, including changes to the FA Cup.
“This ultimately left the Premier League as a 33-weekend competition – fewer than previous seasons, despite being a 380-match competition since 1995.
“With fewer weekends to work with, the League is bound by how the calendar falls.
“The League can give an assurance that, next season, there will be more Premier League matches on Boxing Day – as the date falls on a Saturday.
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“As with previous years, and in keeping with our commitment to clubs, special arrangements have been made to allow more time between games played across the festive period.
“This will allow greater time for players to recover with the rest periods between rounds 18, 19 and 20 being increased to ensure that no club plays within 60 hours of another match.”
Sky Sports will air the game between United and Newcastle on Boxing Day.
Fans can already buy tickets for the festive fixture via their clubs’ website.
Manchester United and Newcastle are the only Prem game for Boxing DayCredit: AFP via Getty Images