The Premier League is set to announce its festive programme this week, with Chelsea’s trip to Wolves expected to become the first top-flight fixture to take place on Christmas Eve since 1995.
The match had been due to take place on December 23 but is set to be moved back 24 hours to fulfil broadcasting requirements, with an expected 1pm kick-off.
The plans have been heavily criticised by fans. The Football Supporters’ Association has described the fixture as “an unwanted present” and “a huge kick in the teeth” for fans, who they say are left facing “an impossible choice between going to the match or spending festive time with their families”.
The statement added: "In the past decade or so Christmas Eve fell on a Saturday in 2011, 2016 and 2022 while 2017 was a Sunday. There was no top-flight football on those days which suggests an informal policy the Premier League is now looking to backtrack on.
"No doubt some at the Premier League or broadcasters will make the case that there’s already Boxing Day football but that overlooks one very important factor...
"The Christmas Eve fixture would presumably be in ADDITION to a Boxing Day game (or another game that week). It’s not likely to be a replacement. It’s just making things much, much more difficult for matchgoing supporters."
Chelsea Supporters’ Trust chair Mark Meehan said: “During a time when we ought to be helping fans travel to away fixtures, it’s outrageous that another hurdle could be placed in their way. It’s just making things much more difficult.”
