Football fans across the UK are gearing up for Boxing Day, but this year's festive fixture list looks a little different. Due to the expansion of European competitions, only one Premier League game is scheduled, a stark contrast to the usual feast of top-flight football. This unusual gap in the Premier League schedule presents a golden opportunity for smaller clubs, who are hoping to attract fans seeking their football fix.
The Premier League confirmed the reduced Boxing Day schedule in October, citing scheduling conflicts arising from the expansion of European competition. The last time Boxing Day fell on a Friday, in 2014, a full program of top-flight games was played. This year marks the lowest number of fixtures in both the top flight and Football League on Boxing Day since World War II.
Lower league and non-league teams are preparing for what they hope will be a bonanza day. Jon Couch, executive editor of the Non-League Paper, notes that Boxing Day is typically the biggest day on the non-league calendar, bringing communities together and boosting club finances. With fewer Premier League options, these clubs anticipate an even greater surge in attendance. For these often cash-strapped teams, a successful home game on Boxing Day is like an unexpected Christmas gift.
The single Premier League match features Manchester United playing Newcastle United. This leaves a vast swathe of fans without their usual top-flight action, potentially driving them to support their local teams. This situation mirrors the boost non-league clubs often experience during international breaks when the Premier League takes a hiatus.
News of the reduced Premier League schedule was initially met with dismay by some, who saw it as further evidence of the changing landscape of football. TalkSPORT's chief football correspondent, Alex Crook, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the game has "gone." However, for smaller clubs, this scheduling quirk represents a valuable chance to shine and connect with a broader audience.
The EFL will still host a full set of Boxing Day fixtures. The Premier League will host a set of midweek fixtures starting on Tuesday, December 30.
While the reduced Premier League schedule is currently planned as a one-off for 2025, the obligations arising from the new Champions League format and the FA Cup may lead to similar issues in the future.
