Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has branded the club’s congested December fixture schedule “irresponsible,” warning that it threatens player welfare and undermines the integrity of the competition calendar.
The Eagles are set for a punishing run of matches following their qualification for the EFL Cup quarter-finals, with dates clashing dangerously close together due to UEFA’s expanded European calendar. Palace are due to host Manchester City on Sunday, 14 December, face KuPS in the Europa Conference League on Thursday, 18 December, and then travel to Leeds United on Sunday, 21 December.
However, Arsenal vs Palace’s EFL Cup quarter-final opponents want the tie played on Tuesday, 16 December. That would leave Glasner’s side facing three games in five days, four in eight, or five in eleven, a sequence he says is “simply unacceptable.”
“I can’t believe this won’t be fixed,” the Austrian coach told reporters. “It would be irresponsible for the players. We have a responsibility for them and have to look after their welfare not just ours, but for the good of the game.”
Glasner revealed his frustration at discovering the proposed dates only recently, despite having raised concerns months ago. “I spoke about this issue three months ago when I looked at the schedule,” he said. “There are people who work on this, and I would really like it if they talked together. UEFA, the Premier League, the FA everyone should coordinate. It’s their job.”
UEFA’s revamped competition structure, which now stretches across 10 midweeks instead of six, has created a logistical nightmare for domestic scheduling. The Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League each occupy exclusive weeks, leaving little room for domestic competitions like the EFL Cup.
Last season, a similar crisis was narrowly avoided when Chelsea were knocked out in the fourth round, but Palace’s progress this year has reignited the debate over player fatigue and fixture congestion.
In July, FIFA and player unions agreed that footballers should have a minimum rest period of 72 hours between matches, a standard the proposed schedule blatantly breaches.
Glasner added: “It would be irresponsible to play Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday. But there is a solution we play Leeds on the 21st and again on the 28th, so there’s space if people actually talk to each other.”
The lack of coordination between governing bodies has already caused controversy this season. The Premier League recently announced that only one Boxing Day fixture will be played, citing UEFA’s expanded calendar as the main reason.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta also acknowledged the problem, saying: “Every fixture decision should be guided by two main things player welfare and supporters. That’s it.”
However, finding an alternative date is proving nearly impossible. Moving the tie to Tuesday, 23 December, would give both Arsenal and Palace just 48 hours’ recovery after their weekend league matches. A Christmas Eve fixture — also discussed — poses transport and fan safety challenges, as London’s transport system shuts down early on 24 December.
“Maybe now you can’t find a perfect solution,” Glasner admitted, “but it’s important we learn from this. We need to protect the players and respect the fans.”
The Austrian’s comments echo a growing frustration across English football over congested schedules, especially as fixture lists swell under the weight of new competitions, international tournaments, and global broadcasting demands.
For now, Palace await confirmation of their quarter-final date. Whatever decision is made, Glasner insists his side will prepare professionally but he hopes common sense prevails before injuries or burnout become inevitable consequences.
“Someone will always be affected,” he said. “But when the players suffer, the whole game suffers. That’s what people must remember.”
