The festive fixture list is hands down one of the best things about English football. From mid-December to early January, the Premier League stands out from other top leagues in Europe by not taking a sluggish break. This period is crucial for clubs across divisions and holds a special place in the hearts of supporters. Whether it’s attending a Boxing Day match with friends or family, or simply lounging on the couch with leftovers and a mild hangover, watching your team on TV, it’s a cherished sporting tradition.
But now, it seems like football fans are being given a slap in the face. The game scheduled for Christmas Eve is set to be pushed back 24 hours to accommodate broadcasting requirements. This decision is a big middle finger to fans who were looking forward to spending the day with their loved ones and cheering on their team. Not to mention the nightmare of navigating limited public transport on a day when Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday.
Sure, broadcasters might argue that playing on Christmas Eve is no different from playing on the day after, but here’s the kicker: the fixture is expected to be in addition to the Boxing Day matches. So fans will have games on both sides of the big day. Now, Boxing Day fixtures already come with their own logistical headaches, but at least it’s a public holiday and an accepted tradition to play on the 26th.
The Football Supporters Association has rightly pointed out that not scheduling matches on Christmas Eve has been an informal policy of the Premier League, even when the day falls on a weekend. But if they’re willing to backtrack now and if broadcasters see this slot as a success, it could set a dangerous precedent.
As always, the clubs themselves are complicit in exploiting their own supporters. They’ve made a deal with the devil: they agree to every demand from broadcasters and in return, they get richly rewarded. Just look at Chelsea’s billion-pound spending spree on new signings or Wolves splashing out £44 million on Matheus Cunha from Atlético Madrid.
If any of the coaches, like Chelsea’s Mauricio Pochettino or Wolves’ Gary O’Neil, are tempted to complain, they should take it up with the boardroom. Because for the club staff who don’t directly benefit from the TV deals, this scheduling feels unfair and inconsiderate, especially for those who had planned to spend Christmas with their families.
And it’s not just about this one game. The Premier League is preparing to sell its domestic TV rights for 2025-2029, and they’ve increased the number of live matches per season to appeal to bidders. More games on TV means more inconvenience for match-going supporters, all to please the broadcasters.
But let’s face it, none of this should come as a surprise anymore. The Premier League didn’t become this massive by caring about the concerns of a few thousand Chelsea and Wolves supporters. It’s all about the money, and English football, like any other multi-billion pound industry, follows the money, even if it means sacrificing the traditions and sanctity of Christmas football.
So, football fans, brace yourselves. The hyper-capitalist world of the Premier League has left no stone unturned. Everything is up for sale, including the cherished traditions that make the game so special.