EFL apologises after five clubs hit by UEFA scheduling changes

EFL apologises as UEFA scheduling forces changes to three fixtures

The EFL has apologised to five clubs after being forced to rearrange three fixtures because of UEFA’s Champions League scheduling.

The changes affect two Carabao Cup third-round matches, with Everton’s clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers moved back by seven days and Liverpool’s meeting with Tottenham Hotspur delayed by six days.

Everton vs Wolves will now take place on September 16 instead of September 9, while Liverpool vs Tottenham has been moved from September 16 to September 22.

The changes have also had a knock-on effect in the Championship, with Wolves’ home fixture against Portsmouth being moved from September 16 to October 20.

In a statement, the EFL explained that it had been left with little choice after UEFA confirmed its Champions League fixtures.

The league said it had originally confirmed Everton’s Carabao Cup tie with Wolves for September 9 after completing the usual consultation process with local stakeholders.

However, UEFA subsequently scheduled Liverpool’s Champions League home match against Atletico Madrid for the same evening.

That created a problem because Everton and Liverpool cannot stage home fixtures simultaneously due to local safety and operational arrangements.

The EFL said it held discussions with UEFA officials on Monday to find a solution but was told that UEFA was unwilling to move Liverpool’s European fixture because of the impact a change would have on overseas supporters travelling to the match.

As a result, the domestic league was forced to rearrange the three affected fixtures.

The EFL expressed its frustration at the situation, pointing out that it has repeatedly adjusted its own competition schedule in recent seasons to accommodate the expansion of UEFA club competitions.

Those measures have included spreading Carabao Cup third-round matches across two weeks and introducing draw restrictions designed to prevent clashes involving clubs competing in the Champions League and Europa League.

The EFL also criticised the lack of consultation with domestic leagues when changes to UEFA competitions were introduced.

The latest fixture disruption highlights the growing scheduling difficulties caused by the increasingly crowded European football calendar.