Fans Shocked As Premier League Slashes 2025 Boxing Day Matches

The Premier League has announced a major change to its holiday football tradition for 2025, confirming that only one match will be held on this year’s Boxing Day.

The only fixture scheduled for Friday, December 26, 2025, will be Manchester United against Newcastle United. This move marks a big departure from the long-standing schedule where several matches are usually played on the festive date, a day fans across the world look forward to each season.

Reports on Friday explained that the reduced number of games is because of a tight football calendar caused by the expanded European competitions.

In its statement, the league said it did not like cutting down the Boxing Day fixtures but noted it had no choice because it was “bound by calendar constraints” due to the updated global football timetable.

“The Premier League would like to acknowledge the circumstances that have led to a reduced number of matches on Boxing Day this season, impacting an important tradition in English football,” the league said.

“There are now several challenges to Premier League fixture scheduling rooted in the expansion of European club competitions, which led to a revision of our domestic calendar ahead of last season, including changes to the FA Cup.”

The league explained that despite still having 380 matches, the domestic season has fewer weekends — only 33 — making scheduling tougher.

More Matches After Boxing Day

Since Boxing Day falls on a Friday in 2025, seven matches will happen on Saturday, December 27, followed by two more on Sunday, December 28. Fixtures confirmed for that weekend include Sunderland vs Leeds United and Crystal Palace vs Tottenham Hotspur. Matchweek 19 will then begin with six matches on Tuesday, December 30.

Although fans may be unhappy with the reduced Boxing Day schedule, the league promised that the full line-up of matches will return in 2026.

“The league can give an assurance that next season there will be more Premier League matches on Boxing Day, as the date falls on a Saturday,” it said.

The Premier League also mentioned measures to protect players during the busy holiday period.

“This will allow greater time for players to recover, with rest periods between rounds 18, 19, and 20 being increased to ensure that no club plays within 60 hours of another match,” the league explained.

Boxing Day games have long been a special part of English football culture, drawing huge crowds and TV viewers. However, the growing pressure from European and international schedules has forced adjustments to keep the season manageable.

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