Liam Duckstein
Premier League delays Boxing Day schedule amid ‘complexities’ in festive calendar
The Premier League has not yet confirmed which clubs will play on Boxing Day after publishing only the TV picks that run to 22 December. The full December and January fixture list, originally due on Wednesday 15 October, was not released in full.
The league said the hold-up is down to ‘complexities’ within the calendar between rounds 18 and 21 — the block of fixtures spanning Christmas and New Year. No top-flight matches are currently fixed for 26 December; all 10 games in round 18 are pencilled in for 27 December instead.
Fans’ groups have reacted with frustration. The Football Supporters’ Association wants clearer communication around how broadcasters pick games.
“With a record number of games now being televised, frustration with constant fixture changes and delays to TV selections is at an all time high, particularly in an era when travel to games is increasingly expensive,” said Thomas Concannon, FSA Premier League network manager.
“The league, broadcasters, clubs, the police and local authorities have to do much better for matchgoing supporters.”
The Premier League has said the remaining fixtures will be announced as soon as possible. Broadcasters in the UK for the coming season are Sky Sports and TNT. Amazon had carried Boxing Day matches in the UK between 2019 and 2024 but lost those rights in the latest tender process.
Round 18 fixtures (currently scheduled for 27 December)
- Arsenal v Brighton
- Brentford v Bournemouth
- Burnley v Everton
- Chelsea v Aston Villa
- Crystal Palace v Tottenham Hotspur
- Liverpool v Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Manchester United v Newcastle United
- Nottingham Forest v Manchester City
- Sunderland v Leeds United
- West Ham United v Fulham
Supporters and clubs will now wait for the league to finalise dates and kick-off times for the festive fixtures. Until then, the only confirmed televised matches are those announced up to 22 December.