Don't Think It's Fair! Arsenal Deny Crystal Palace Request For EFL League Cup Fixture Reschedule

Last Updated:November 01, 2025, 15:50 IST

The Gunners rejected Palace's request to reschedule their League Cup quarter-final to December 23 stating that it would be unfair for both teams to play twice in just 48 hours.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta (AFP)

Premier League side Arsenal have rejected Crystal Palace’s request to reschedule their League Cup quarter-final to December 23. The match is now scheduled for December 16, part of a demanding stretch of four games in eight days for Palace.

The Gunners’ head coach Mikel Arteta, revealed that it would be unfair for both teams to play twice in just 48 hours.

“I don’t think that’s fair, because we have other competitions we need to accommodate. We knew at the start of the season the competitions that each club is playing in," Arteta said.

“On balance, we have to try to accommodate everyone the best possible way. There are other options to December 23. Believe me, there are other options much better than this one. We already suggested that," the Spaniard added.

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Arteta opined that the fixture congestion must be managed with fairness and player welfare in mind, in order to avoid clubs pulling out of competitions.

“I hope we don’t reach that point. If we have those principles of fairness and player welfare in mind when making decisions, we won’t get there. If we ignore them, then anything is possible," the 43-year-old said.

Arsenal are slated to play Manchester City in the Premier League on December 14, KuPS in the Conference League on December 18, and return to league action against Leeds on December 21.

Palace argued that both teams should have equal recovery time before the quarter-final since Arsenal will host Wolves on December 13.

Palace were open to a Christmas Eve game, but this was ruled out after discussions with the Metropolitan Police and Transport for London, who cited limited public transport services.

Arsenal, the home team, also opposed playing on Christmas Eve. Palace then proposed December 23 as an alternative, two days before Arsenal’s trip to Everton on December 21, which coincides with Palace’s game at Leeds.

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