Premier League clubs set for fixture chaos next season as dates for new Champions League format are revealed
PREMIER LEAGUE clubs are set for fixture chaos after the 2024/25 season schedule was revealed.
Top flight sides face the potential of THREE midweek matches between European and cup competition.
GettyPrem clubs are set for fixture chaos after the 2024/25 season schedule was revealed[/caption]
According to The Mirror, there are two Champions League match rounds in the final two midweeks of January.
It comes with the introduction of EIGHT Champions League games in the new format rather than the current six group games.
The first clash next season comes in September 17 and 18.
The third round of the Carabao Cup – when clubs in European competition enter – clashes with the Champions League match day one.
And the following week, the first Europa League games collide with the third round of the Carabao Cup, set for September 24 and 25.
It means the effected sides might have to alternate their Carabao Cup games between the two midweeks.
That would allow Champions League teams to play on September 24 and 25 and those in Europa League to go the week before.
The Carabao Cup quarter-final is scheduled for the midweek of December 18 – which clashes with the Europa Conference League.
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Further, the EFL refused to change the two-legged semis format – played in two midweeks in January.
Both the EFL and Uefa say they will not be held responsible for the fixture clashes.
The FA have agreed a new six-year deal with the Premier League to scrap FA Cup replays.
That decision included £33million extra cash for grassroots football and a longer summer break.
But the EFL insisted they were not properly consulted and their clubs were left in uproar over the decision.
Chief executive Trevor Birch slammed the “disappointing and frustrating” change while also demanding they receive compensation for the loss in revenue.
