Arsenal’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace was rescheduled by the EFL during an incredibly busy period before Christmas, leaving neither team happy.
The EFL has lamented that the Carabao Cup is being “diminished” by European competition after Arsenal’s quarter-final match against Crystal Palace was forced to be rescheduled. The Gunners host Palace at the Emirates Stadium on December 23rd, with both teams having a busy schedule.
Palace’s involvement in the Conference League caused problems for the EFL, forcing changes to matches. Oliver Glasner’s side will host Finnish club KuPS at Selhurst Park on December 18, meaning they will not be able to play any Carabao Cup matches that week, when the other three quarter-finals will be played.
Instead, the EFL moved the match to a date that was not “fair” as manager Mikel Arteta had previously insisted, much to Arsenal’s annoyance. Despite this, Palace ended up playing four games in nine days, with the EFL blaming the compromise on the “expansion of European Cup competition” which was “implemented without full consultation with the domestic leagues”.
“In determining the dates for the quarter-finals, the league is particularly aware of the challenges posed to Arsenal and Crystal Palace, and the frustration and concerns that managers and players will no doubt feel. These are concerns shared by the league,” the group said in a statement.
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“The expansion of European cup competitions and the number of exclusive matches across Europe for the 2024/25 season has been implemented without full consultation with national leagues and means that such scheduling conflicts, both in the EFL Cup and in other competitions, are no longer completely avoidable.
“Teams competing in Europe have already entered the third round of the EFL Cup and for the past two seasons we have been open to compromise as we have been forced to introduce further draw conditions to avoid scheduling conflicts at that stage of the competition.
“However, continuing to make endless concessions will only damage the reputation of the EFL Cup, a competition that generates significant income for EFL clubs and provides millions of supporters with the opportunity to cheer on their teams as they travel to Wembley each season.
“It also challenges the traditional schedule of English football and the strength of the domestic game, which relies on teams having the time to prepare and the ability to field their strongest lineups to entertain supporters and advance in competitions.”
At the weekend, before the decision was made, Palace manager Glasner said: “I can’t believe this issue hasn’t been resolved. It would be irresponsible for the players, we have a responsibility to them and we have to look after their welfare, but it’s not just us at the club.”
“I was really upset when I first heard about it yesterday. I couldn’t believe they were even considering something like this.”
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