Fans have been warned by the Premier League that fixtures could be moved at “relatively short notice” next season because of the number of teams playing in Europe.
A record nine top-flight clubs have qualified for UEFA competitions in the 2025-26 campaign.
The Premier League said there is an “increased likelihood” that games will be rescheduled if English teams reach the latter stages, and it suggested fans take this into consideration when planning their attendance at games.
Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Newcastle and Tottenham will be playing in the Champions League next season.
Aston Villa and Crystal Palace have qualified for the Europa League, while Nottingham Forest will be playing in the Conference League.
“While the Premier League celebrates this success, it will come with an impact on the scheduling of league matches,” a statement from the Premier League said.
“There is an increased likelihood of Premier League fixtures moving at relatively short notice, after our fixture announcements, should our clubs progress to the knockout rounds of these competitions.”
The warning comes after the Premier League announced the fixture list for the 2025-26 season on yesterday.
Champions Liverpool will host Bournemouth in the Friday night curtain-raiser, while Manchester United will play Arsenal in the opening weekend’s standout fixture at Old Trafford.
Liverpool, who won the league in Arne Slot’s first season in charge, will begin their title defence at Anfield on Friday, August 15.
Newly promoted Sunderland, back in the top flight for the first time since 2016-17, start their campaign at home against West Ham the following day.
Championship winners, Leeds, welcome Everton to Elland Road for the Monday night game, while Burnley – promoted back to the top flight at the first time of asking – travel to Europa League holders Tottenham, who will be led by Thomas Frank in a league match for the first time.
Everton fans will have to wait until the second round of fixtures for their first league game at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, when they will face Brighton.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City will hope to bounce back from a rare trophy less season with a strong start against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux.
The season, which consists of 380 games over 33 weekends and five midweek rounds, will conclude on Sunday, May 24.
The Premier League has said the start date of August 15, 82 days on from the end of the 2024-25 season “allows for the maximum player rest time available”.
During the festive period, clubs will not be asked to play twice in less than 48 hours.
While there are currently no games listed for December 26, some may be moved to Boxing Day depending on the live broadcast selection.-BBC
