New Delhi: An already congested Premier League, Champions League, and Europa League calendar has just got a whole lot worse for leading clubs. Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea are facing a major fixture pile-up in the second half of the season because of postponements following the death of the Queen.
All four clubs have seen two games called off either as a mark of respect. With the World Cup set to bring a halt to top-flight football for over a month from November to December, it will be extremely difficult to rearrange fixtures before the tournament kicks off in Qatar without making potentially contentious compromises.
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The Football Association is already considering scrapping replays in the third and fourth rounds of the FA Cup, as has been the case in the past two seasons, in response to the disruption caused by Covid.
While that will help avoid a further backlog after Christmas, the mid-season World Cup means the top clubs were already left with very little room for changes if there were any sudden disruptions, such as the death of the Queen.
The situation for United, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea has been further complicated by fresh postponements this week.
Arsenal’s Europa League tie with PSV Eindhoven, due to take place on Thursday, will now not go ahead because of “severe limitations on police resources and organizational issues related to the ongoing events surrounding the national mourning for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” Uefa confirmed this week.
United’s clash with Leeds on Sunday has also been called off, due to “Greater Manchester Police supporting forces across the United Kingdom at locations and events of high significance following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”
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The Postponed games due to death of Queen Elizabeth II
Chelsea were due to play Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday but that has now been postponed.
Brighton v Crystal Palace is also off but with neither club in European competition, there will be less of an impact on their schedules.
The Premier League issued a statement that said, “Following extensive consultation with clubs, police, local Safety Advisory Groups, and other relevant authorities, there was no other option but to postpone the three fixtures.”
“The Premier League would like to thank the UK Football Policing Unit and other police forces across the country, as well as our broadcast partners, for their support during this process, and will continue to liaise with them ahead of the weekend. For the matches being played during the period of National Mourning, tributes will be paid to The Queen at Premier League stadiums. New dates for the postponed matches will be announced in due course,” it added.
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Manchester United also issued a statement that said, “The club reiterates that the safety and security of our fans is paramount and, after considering all available options, we are supportive of the decision that was made in conjunction with the relevant authorities.”
“We appreciate the disappointment and inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding and continued support,” they added.
