Premier League Boxing Day fixtures 'could be AXED' amid TV scheduling chaos

The Premier League is reportedly contemplating removing Boxing Day matches from the domestic calendar. The top-tier governing body is said to be struggling with fixture scheduling due to the expanded UEFA competitions and the FA Cup occupying three weekend slots.

The fourth, fifth, and sixth rounds of the FA Cup have been allocated specific weekends for their fixtures, leaving fewer available weekends for Premier League matches. As it stands, the Premier League has announced only the TV picks for games up until Christmas Day.

According to the Daily Mail, these are the only matches that have received approval. League sources suggest a split announcement for TV selections would allow fans more time to arrange travel and accommodation.

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Currently, the Premier League and broadcasters have a minimum of six weeks to announce any changes to the fixture schedule, although some matches remain subject to potential alterations due to European games.

Despite this, many fans argue that there isn't sufficient notice, often resulting in financial loss due to changes in dates and times.

The report suggests that one festive match over the festive period is delaying the next round of TV selection announcements, and discussions are ongoing regarding the future of traditional Boxing Day fixtures. However, it's acknowledged that the process is complex.

With a limited number of weekends available for Premier League fixtures, including the 27th of December, it's uncertain how many matches, if any, will be rescheduled.

Currently, no matches are scheduled for Boxing Day, with all 20 Premier League clubs set to compete on Saturday, 27th December, although this could change.

In other news, the Premier League has announced the television schedule leading up to Christmas, featuring broadcasts on Sky Sports and TNT Sports.

December kicks off with midweek Premier League games on Tuesday, the 2nd, and Wednesday, the 3rd. Subsequent midweek matches are available on Sky Sports at varying start times, some starting at 7.30pm and some at 8.15pm.

The Tyne-Wear derby is among the fixtures that have been moved, while Fulham vs Nottingham Forest marks the last Premier League match before Christmas Day.

Premier League fixtures scheduled for 27th December include:

West Ham vs Fulham.

Crystal Palace vs Tottenham.

Man United vs Newcastle United.

Nottingham Forest vs Man City.

Sunderland vs Leeds United.

Brentford vs Bournemouth.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa.

Liverpool vs Wolves.

Arsenal vs Brighton.

Burnley vs Everton.