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MANCHESTER: The Premier League has announced that this season will feature just one match on Boxing Day, breaking from the tradition of a full slate of festive fixtures that fans have long enjoyed.
Manchester United host Newcastle United in the lone game, for the fewest top-flight fixtures in 43 years on Boxing Day, which falls on a Friday this year.
In a statement, the League cited mounting scheduling pressures linked to the expansion of European club competitions as the key reason for the change.
“There are now several challenges to Premier League fixture scheduling rooted in the expansion of European club competitions – which led to a revision of our domestic calendar ahead of last season, including changes to the FA Cup,” the League said.
The adjustments have left the Premier League operating as a 33-weekend competition, which is fewer than in previous years, despite maintaining its 380-match format since 1995.
The League broadcasting deals mean matches must be scheduled on those weekends each season. With only five rounds of midweek games included, matches must be played on December 27-28.
“With fewer weekends available, fixture planning has become increasingly constrained,” the League said. “With fewer weekends to work with, the League is bound by 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 the English game for decades, offering supporters a festive tradition of packed stadiums and high-profile clashes.
This year’s reduced offering underscores the growing impact of congested calendars as domestic and European competitions vie for space.

ROME: New Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti said on Friday that his seventh-placed team are capable of challenging for the Sere A title.
“Of course, I hope this team can still get involved in the title race,” he said Friday, on the eve of Juve’s game at Cremonese.
Spalletti, who succeeds the sacked Igor Tudor, added: “As we discussed with the players on Thursday, we must aim for the highest.
“And the highest is the Scudetto.
“Only nine matches have been played; there are still 29 left to play. That’s a lot of matches, and I’ve seen many things during my 30-plus years of career.”
Juventus have given Spalletti until the end of the season in the hope that the 66-year-old can secure qualification for next season’s Champions League. His contract runs until June 30.
Should he achieve that Spalletti will be given more time to help put Juve back at the top in Italy after being overtaken by Inter Milan and Napoli in recent seasons.
Spalletti was the man behind Napoli’s historic Serie A title in 2023 and has been one of the country’s most influential coaches over the past two decades, also performing above expectations at Roma and Inter Milan.
He added at his unveiling: “If I didn’t believe in this team, in its potential despite the difficult moments, why would I have agreed to sign an eight-month contract?
“I believe we can do good work, which requires availability, willpower, and self-discipline.”
Five months after his dismissal as Italy coach Spalletti is relishing being back in the Serie A limelight.
“In a club like this, ambitions are obviously high. We must compete in the Champions League.”
He had kind words for the man he placed, Tudor, who was sacked on Monday.
“I’m sure I will be taking over a team that is mentally strong and well-trained,” he said.