Premier League 2025: Boxing Day Tradition Set for Major Change

The Premier League is preparing to eliminate one of its most cherished traditions – Boxing Day football. Boxing Day fixtures have been a staple of English football since it is filled with thrilling matches straight after Christmas. But in 2025, that might change dramatically, as reports say there will only be one Premier League match played on December 26.

Premier League Set to Break Boxing Day Rituals

The Daily Mail says that in 2025, there will only be one Premier League game on December 26. Usually, Boxing Day is full of football, with lots of games played one after another. But next year, things will be different to deal with a busy schedule.

Since December 26 is a Friday in 2025, the Premier League will treat it like any other Friday game day. Most of the matches will be played on the weekend, December 27 and 28.

This is a change from a long-held tradition, but it’s happening to keep the schedule from being too packed and to take care of the players during a really busy time for football.

Also Read: Premier League 2025/26: Top 4 Prediction for The Upcoming Season

Fixture​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Congestion Forces Change

The Premier League’s move is mainly influenced by the need to manage its fixtures and contracts related to broadcasting. The league, due to its agreements, is limited to 33 weekends during which only Premier League matches can be played.

After the FA Cup matches have been scheduled for weekends due to the abolition of replays, and consequently, the number of UEFA competition fixtures has increased, the football calendar is bursting with more games than ever before.

The article also mentions that the FA and Premier League are still talking and that although the final decision has not been made, a waiver for the 2025 season is quite probable.

While this step may be seen as controversial, it could be a realistic move to safeguard the players’ physical condition in the situation of an already very tight schedule, which is also full of international and European ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌commitments.

The news of the Premier League changing its Boxing Day tradition has divided opinion from fans all around the world. For many, Boxing Day football has felt as integral to Christmas as mince pies and festive lights a cultural celebration of community and sport.

Supporters are also aware that players and clubs are being asked to do more due to an already congested calendar. FIFA’s Club World Cup, UEFA competitions and domestic cups will all potentially require more games. In that sense, this change is possibly a welcome adjustment to an ever-increasing pace of football.