UEFA Reject Crystal Palace Request Amid Arsenal Fixture Issues
The Carabao Cup quarter-final between Arsenal and Crystal Palace, originally set for December 16, has been rescheduled to December 23. This change comes just two days after both teams play Premier League away matches—Palace at Leeds and Arsenal at Everton on December 21.
Clubs Oppose Fixture Rescheduling
Both Arsenal's Mikel Arteta and Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner have expressed strong opposition to the EFL's new proposal. The tight schedule leaves minimal recovery time for their players ahead of the cup tie.
Requests to Adjust Premier League Matches
Palace and Arsenal have formally asked the Premier League board to bring their league games forward to December 20, allowing an extra day of rest before the Carabao Cup clash.
UEFA Denies Move for Conference League Match
Mirror Football reports that Crystal Palace's request to bring their final Conference League group match against KuPS forward from December 18 to December 17 was rejected by UEFA. The governing body requires that all 18 final group matches occur simultaneously on December 18 at 8 PM.
"UEFA insist all 18 final Conference League group phase fixtures must kick off on the same date, at the same time (8pm)."
Palace faces scheduling challenges as they attempt to balance domestic and European commitments in December.
Author's summary: Crystal Palace struggle with tight fixture congestion as UEFA and EFL reject requests to reschedule key matches, leaving limited rest before critical cup and league games.