Premier League Boxing Day Matches: A New Tradition for the 2025-26 Season
The Premier League has announced that there will be football matches on Boxing Day next season, with a full round of games scheduled for the following day. This decision was made as part of a deal between the Premier League and the Football Association to adjust the congested calendar. The deal includes scrapping FA Cup replays and restoring the FA Cup fifth round to a blank weekend. As a result, the Premier League will have a 38-game season with matches on 33 weekends and five midweek dates. The 27th of December will be a regular match weekend in the 2025-26 season, allowing for the 33 weekend dates.
The decision to have matches on the 27th of December was influenced by the global nature of the Premier League, as not all countries celebrate Christmas or play matches on Boxing Day. The base kick-off time for the matches on the 27th of December is set for 15:00 GMT. While games can be moved, not all matches will be televised. The new TV deal starting in August includes reference to "six additional matches," but there is no mention of a weekend where all 10 games will be broadcast live. However, the EFL will have a full programme of matches across their three divisions on Boxing Day, all of which will be streamed.
In conclusion, the decision to have matches on the 27th of December next season was made as part of a broader agreement to adjust the football calendar. While some fans may miss the traditional Boxing Day fixtures, the new schedule aims to balance the demands of the Premier League and the FA Cup. Fans can still enjoy a full day of football on Boxing Day with EFL matches being streamed, and there is hope for a return to a full match programme on Boxing Day in the future.