Arsenal Reject Crystal Palace Push for Carabao Cup Date Change Amid Fixture Congestion Row

Arsenal have firmly rejected Crystal Palace’s request to move their Carabao Cup quarter-final tie, citing concerns over player welfare and fixture pile-up.

Arsenal oppose Palace’s proposal to reschedule their League Cup meeting from Tuesday 16 December 2025 to Tuesday 23 December, or possibly even Christmas Eve, arguing that the suggested move would force both clubs into playing two matches within 48 hours.

Crystal Palace face a particularly intense schedule in mid-December: a Premier League fixture at home to Manchester City on 14 December, the Carabao Cup tie, followed by a Conference League game versus KuPS on 18 December and another league game on 21 December. Head coach Oliver Glasner has branded the current calendar “irresponsible” and warned of the risks to players.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta defended his club’s position:

“Every decision we make in terms of a fixture has to be guided on two main things: player welfare and then supporters… and then the rest has to come very, very far away from that.”

Arsenal feel that they have a more balanced schedule, while Palace’s congested run leaves little room for adequate rest and preparation. The EFL and Premier League are reportedly still discussing alternative dates, but the home side remains committed to 16 December.

The stakes are high: if these scheduling issues persist and player welfare is ignored, Arteta even cautioned that “anything is possible” — including clubs considering withdrawing from competitions.