UEFA Denies Crystal Palace Request in Carabao Cup Scheduling Dispute
The Carabao Cup quarter-final between Arsenal and Crystal Palace is now set for December 23, just two days after both teams play Premier League matches against Everton and Leeds. This change comes after the fixture was initially planned for December 16.
Teams Oppose Fixture Timing
Managers Oliver Glasner of Crystal Palace and Mikel Arteta of Arsenal have expressed strong opposition to the proposed new schedule. They argue that playing just two days after their Premier League away games (Leeds for Palace and Everton for Arsenal) on December 21 does not allow sufficient rest for their players.
Requests to Reschedule
- Both clubs have formally asked the Premier League board to move their Premier League games to Saturday, December 20, to provide an extra day of recovery time.
- In addition, Crystal Palace sought UEFA approval to bring forward their final Conference League group match against KuPS from December 18 to December 17.
UEFA has rejected Crystal Palace's request, insisting all last group stage fixtures in the Conference League must start simultaneously on the same date at 8pm.
Implications
The denial by UEFA complicates Palace’s scheduling efforts, adding to the challenge of managing player fatigue amid a congested fixture list. The club now faces a tough choice balancing commitments in Europe and domestic competitions.
"UEFA insist all 18 final Conference League group phase fixtures must kick off on the same date, at the same time (8pm)."
Summary: Crystal Palace and Arsenal face fixture congestion in December, with UEFA rejecting Palace's request to reschedule their European match, intensifying challenges in managing player rest.