EFL criticises ‘undermining’ of League Cup by fixture congestion

LONDON – The League Cup is being undermined by fixture congestion due to expanded European competitions, the English Football League (EFL) said on Nov 3 after confirming Crystal Palace’s quarter-final with Arsenal on Dec 23.

FA Cup holders Palace and English Premier League leaders Arsenal will now play at the Emirates just before Christmas and in the week after other quarter-finals.

The scheduling means Palace must play four games in nine days, barring further changes, due to fixtures in the Premier League and Conference League.

Palace host Manchester City on Dec 14, play Finnish side KuPS at Selhurst Park on the 18th and then travel to Leeds United on the 21st, with the trip to north London two days later.

“The League recognises the challenge it (the schedule) presents to Arsenal and Crystal Palace in particular, and the frustration and concern that will undoubtedly be felt by their managers and players,” the EFL said in a statement.

“These are concerns which are shared by the League.”

The EFL said the expansion of European cup competitions, and number of exclusive-match nights across Europe ahead of the 2024-25 season, had been implemented without adequate consultation with domestic leagues.

That meant scheduling clashes with the League Cup were unavoidable.

“To continue making endless concessions only serves to undermine the reputation of the EFL Cup – a competition which delivers vital revenue to EFL clubs and provides millions of supporters with the opportunity to back their team on the road to Wembley each season,” it added.

“It also challenges the traditional scheduling of the English football calendar and strength of our domestic game, which relies upon teams having the necessary time for preparation and ability to field their strongest line-ups.”

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, speaking to reporters ahead of the Nov 3 Champions League game at Slavia Prague which took place after press time, was also unhappy with the change.

“Hopefully, then they will move our Premier League match because to play two days later doesn’t make any sense, obviously,” he said. “I’m sure they will change the Premier League date as well.”

Arsenal are due to play at Everton on Dec 21.

Meanwhile, a football agent has been arrested after threatening a Premier League player with a gun, it was reported on Nov 3.

The BBC and other media reported the player, who is in his 20s but cannot legally be identified, was threatened in London on Sept 6 in a late-night incident while with a friend.

The Sun said the 31-year-old accused, also unnamed, was arrested two days later and given bail on Sept 9, on condition there was no contact with the player.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed they had been called to a street in North London at 11.14pm local time on Sept 6 after reports a man in his 20s had been threatened with a firearm.

“Officers spoke to the victim and during the course of their investigation, it was also reported another man in his 20s had also allegedly been blackmailed and threatened by the same individual. No injuries were reported in either incident,” they said.

“A 31-year-old man was arrested on Monday, Sept 8, on suspicion of possession of firearms with intent, blackmail and driving without a licence. He has been bailed while enquiries continue.” REUTERS