Fans of the Premier League are expressing their discontent following the announcement that only one top-flight match will take place on Boxing Day this year. The Co-operative Party has labelled this decision a betrayal of football tradition, which has long served as a key date for families to come together and enjoy the sport.
General Secretary of the Co-operative Party, Joe Fortune, voiced strong concerns regarding the implications of this scheduling choice. He urged the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) to take measures to ensure that such disregard for fan traditions does not recur. In a letter addressed to IFR chair David Kogan, Fortune called for reforms that would address scheduling issues, promote grassroots football, and improve ownership structures within the sport.
The decision to limit matches on December 26 has been attributed to the increasing demands of expanded European club competitions, which have put pressure on the domestic schedule. This clash has resulted in a significant reduction in the number of matches, marking the fewest top-flight games held on this date since the end of World War II. In contrast, eight matches were played on the same date in 2024.
Fortune expressed his frustration, stating, “We are told this abandonment of tradition and fan values is due to expanded European club competitions placing pressure on the domestic schedule.” He highlighted a growing trend where the commercial aspects of football overshadow the experiences of fans.
“Fans are increasingly priced out of enjoying the game, while ownership of our country’s top teams is dominated by foreign companies or states,” he added. “Football – and indeed all sport – should always be centred around the people who make it so magic, the fans who give up their time and money to a shared experience with their community. This decision is completely ignorant to those fans and communities, and has understandably caused outrage.”
The significance of Boxing Day in the football calendar cannot be overstated. Traditionally, it features a series of high-profile matches, offering fans a chance to enjoy the sport during the festive season. This year’s limited schedule has sparked disappointment and frustration among supporters who cherish this annual tradition.
Labour MP Anneliese Midgley, a member of Westminster’s Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, echoed Fortune’s sentiments. She highlighted the importance of Boxing Day football as a family tradition. “Fans are always told football is nothing without them, but decisions like this show how often they’re treated as an afterthought,” she remarked. Midgley called for a renewed focus on the needs and perspectives of fans in decision-making processes.
In response to the backlash, a spokesperson for the IFR stated, “Fans are central to the IFR’s mission and our future licensing regime will require clubs to demonstrate meaningful engagement with their fans on key decisions such as stadium moves, club heritage, and ticket pricing.” The spokesperson emphasized that if engagement standards fall below acceptable levels, the IFR would work with clubs to rectify the situation and impose sanctions where necessary.
As discussions continue regarding the future of scheduling in the Premier League, the voices of fans remain critical in shaping the landscape of football in the UK. With the potential for changes to the calendar, it remains to be seen how clubs and governing bodies will address the concerns raised by supporters.
