EFL criticizes the ‘undermining’ of the League Cup by traffic congestion

The League Cup is being undermined by schedule congestion due to the expanded European cup competition, the English Football League said on Monday after confirming Crystal Palace’s quarter-final with Arsenal on December 23.

FA Cup holders Palace and Premier League leaders Arsenal will now play at the Emirates just before Christmas and in the week after other quarter-finals.

The schedule means Palace will have to play four matches in nine days, barring further changes due to fixtures in the Premier League and UEFA Conference League.

Palace host Manchester City on December 14, play Finnish side KuPS at Selhurst Park on the 18th and then travel to Leeds United on the 21st, with the trip to North London two days later.

“The League recognizes the challenge it (the fixture schedule) poses for Arsenal and Crystal Palace in particular, and the frustration and concern that will undoubtedly be felt by their managers and players,” the EFL said in a statement.

“These are concerns shared by the League,” it added.

The EFL said the expansion of European cup competitions and the number of exclusive match nights across Europe had been implemented without adequate consultation with domestic leagues.

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That meant clashes with the League Cup were inevitable.

“Continuing to make endless concessions only undermines the reputation of the EFL Cup – a competition that generates crucial revenue for EFL clubs and gives millions of supporters the opportunity to support their team on the road to Wembley every season,” the statement said.

“It also challenges the traditional scheduling of the English football calendar and the strength of our domestic fixture, which relies on teams having the necessary time for preparation and the ability to field their strongest lineups,” it added.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, speaking to reporters ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League match against Slavia Prague, was also unhappy with the change.

«Hopefully they will move our Premier League match, because playing two days later obviously makes no sense,» he said.

“I’m sure they will change the Premier League date too,” he added.

Arsenal play at Everton on December 21.

Published on November 4, 2025