The Premier League has announced that just one match will take place on Boxing Day this season, breaking with the tradition of a host of festive matches that fans have long enjoyed.
Manchester United host Newcastle United in the only match for the fewest top-flight games in 43 years on Boxing Day, which falls on a Friday this year.
In a statement, the League cited increasing scheduling pressures associated with the expansion of European club competitions as the main reason for the change.
“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 league said.
The changes will see the Premier League operate as a 33-weekend competition, which is fewer than in previous years, despite maintaining the 380-match format since 1995.
The League’s broadcast agreements mean games must be scheduled on those weekends each season. Since only five rounds of midweek matches are included, the matches must be played on December 27-28.
“With fewer weekends available, match scheduling has become increasingly limited,” the League said. “Because there are fewer weekends to work with, the League is tied to how the calendar falls.”
The League promised a return to a fuller Boxing Day schedule next season, when the date falls on a Saturday.
Boxing Day football has been a cornerstone of English football for decades, offering supporters a festive tradition of packed stadiums and high-profile clashes.
This year’s limited offering underlines the growing impact of crowded calendars as domestic and European leagues compete for space.
Published on October 31, 2025
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