The Premier League has confirmed that there will be only one match on Boxing Day this season, a major break from the long-standing tradition of the entire festival season.
Manchester United will host Newcastle United in the solitary tie, the shortest top-flight Boxing Day match in 43 years.
According to the Premier League, the decision stems from increased scheduling pressures due to the expansion of European club competitions, which has forced adjustments to the domestic football calendar.
Also read: Premier League attendances soar due to thrilling action from festive fixtures
“There are now a number of challenges in Premier League fixture scheduling inherent in the expansion of European club competitions, which led to amendments to our domestic calendar ahead of last season, including changes to the FA Cup,” the Premier League explained in a statement.
The revised structure sees the competition reduced from the previous season to a 33-weekend format, although it still retains its traditional 380-match format. With only five midweek rounds allowed, the league has had to spread the fixtures over 27 and 28 December rather than organizing a full Boxing Day lineup.
“With fewer weekends available, fixture planning has been increasingly disrupted,” the league said.
Officials have assured fans that the full Boxing Day schedule will return when it falls on a Saturday next season.
Boxing Day football has long been a hallmark of English football, providing fans with a celebration of drama and rivalry.
This year's reduced fixture list highlights the increasing pressure of fixture congestion, as domestic and European competitions increasingly overlap.
