Why is there only one Boxing Day match in the 2025-2026 Premier League season?

The Premier League has confirmed that only one match will take place on Boxing Day (December 26) this season.

In doing so, English football’s top flight is breaking with the time-honored tradition of festive matches that began in 1888.

Why only one Boxing Day match this season?

The Premier League confirmed that Manchester United’s match against Newcastle United will be the only Boxing Day match played this season, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm GMT (1.30am IST, December 27).

The reason given by the Premier League for breaking the tradition of Boxing Day matches is the ‘expansion of European club competitions’.

“The Premier League would like to acknowledge the circumstances that have led to a reduced number of matches on Boxing Day this season – impacting an important tradition in English football,” the Premier League said.

“There are now several challenges to the Premier League fixtures, rooted in the expansion of European club competitions – which led to a review of our domestic calendar ahead of last season, including changes to the FA Cup,” the Premier League said.

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The change in fixtures has made the Premier League a 33-weekend competition – fewer than previous seasons, despite being a 380-match competition since 1995.

«As in previous years, and in line with our commitment to clubs, special arrangements have been made to allow more time between matches played over the festive period. This will give players more time to recover, with the rest periods between rounds 18, 19 and 20 extended to ensure no club plays within 60 hours of another match,» the Premier League said.

Will matches resume on Boxing Day next year?

Yes, the Premier League has assured fans that there will be more matches on Boxing Day in 2026.

«With fewer weekends to work with, the league is tied to how the calendar falls. The league can provide assurance that there will be more Premier League matches on Boxing Day next season – as the date falls on a Saturday,» the Premier League said.

Published on December 22, 2025