Back to News
Champions LeagueSeptember 1, 2026

EFL criticizes UEFA for compulsory changes to games in

The EFL has harshly criticized UEFA after it was forced to reschedule Carabao Cup games.

EFL criticizes UEFA for compulsory changes to games in

According to Sports.

Background

The EFL has criticized UEFA after changing kick-off times for Champions League games, which led to a Carabao Cup game being rescheduled. This situation highlights the challenges that national leagues have to overcome in the context of UEFA competitions, particularly when it comes to planning and staging matches.

Why this is important

The EFL's criticism of UEFA highlights tensions between domestic leagues and European competitions. The last-minute changes to kick-off times may affect not only club planning, but also fans and the integrity of competitions. In particular, the designation of the Carabao Cup games as 'protection games' shows how important they are for qualifying for UEFA competitions.

Key findings

  • EFL criticizes UEFA for compulsory changes to games in.
  • The EFL has harshly criticized UEFA after it was forced to reschedule Carabao Cup games.
  • EFL blasts Uefa after being forced to reschedule Carabao Cup fixtures.
The English Football League (EFL) has harshly criticized UEFA after the EFL was forced to reschedule matches in the Carabao Cup. This happened because UEFA changed the kick-off times for next week's Champions League games. As part of these changes, a Championship game was also affected. The game between Leicester City and Southampton scheduled for October 31st had to be postponed to November 1st. The EFL said in a statement that it did not agree with UEFA's last-minute change to kick-off times and that UEFA should be more considerate of the other leagues. The EFL stated: "The EFL is extremely disappointed with UEFA, particularly given that the matches in the Carabao Cup are matches designated by UEFA as 'protection matches' for the 2023/24 season and are relevant to participation in next season's UEFA competitions." UEFA last week changed the kick-off times for Champions League matches on November 1, following UEFA's change to broadcast rights for the Champions League in the UK last week. This led to a re-examination of kick-off times. UEFA commented on the changes to kick-off times, stating that these changes were necessary to maximize broadcast rights in different countries. However, UEFA did not provide any information about this He asked why the kick-off times for the games in Great Britain were changed, even though there is already maximum utilization of the TV broadcasts there. UEFA also announced that kick-off times for matches on November 1 will no longer be the same as the original kick-off times set at the start of the season. Last week UEFA changed the kick-off times for the games on November 1st as follows: The Manchester City vs RB Leipzig game has been brought forward from 9 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Arsenal vs PSV Eindhoven game has been moved back from 9pm to 8pm. The EFL criticized UEFA for now also affecting matches in the EFL and said: "It is regrettable that UEFA did not take the concerns of the EFL and the clubs into account when planning its matches."

What happens next

The EFL could seek further discussions with UEFA to ensure future changes to kick-off times are better coordinated. Additionally, the EFL could seek to minimize the impact on clubs and their fans while maintaining the integrity of its own competitions. The reactions of the affected clubs and fans will also be crucial in increasing the pressure on UEFA.

Frequently asked questions

What is the reason for the changes to the games in the Carabao Cup?

The changes to the games in the Carabao Cup were necessary because UEFA has changed the kick-off times for the Champions League games.

Which game was specifically affected by the change?

The game between Leicester City and Southampton, originally scheduled for October 31st, has been postponed to November 1st.

How has the EFL responded to UEFA's changes?

The EFL has strongly criticized UEFA and said it did not agree with the short-term change to kick-off times.

Why did UEFA change the kick-off times?

UEFA explained that the changes were necessary to maximize broadcast rights in different countries.

What are 'protection games' in the context of the EFL and UEFA?

The matches in the Carabao Cup have been designated by UEFA as 'protection matches' for the 2023/24 season, which are relevant for participation in the UEFA competitions next season.

Related articles

Häufig gestellte Fragen

What is the reason for the changes to the games in the Carabao Cup?
The changes to the games in the Carabao Cup were necessary because UEFA changed the kick-off times for the Champions League games.
Which game was specifically affected by the change?
The game between Leicester City and Southampton, originally scheduled for October 31st, has been postponed to November 1st.
How has the EFL responded to UEFA's changes?
The EFL has strongly criticized UEFA and said it did not agree with the short-term change to kick-off times.
Why did UEFA change the kick-off times?
UEFA explained that the changes were necessary to maximize broadcast rights in different countries.
What are 'protection games' in the context of the EFL and UEFA?
The matches in the Carabao Cup have been designated by UEFA as 'protection matches' for the 2023/24 season, which are relevant for participation in the UEFA competitions next season.
What happened in this story?
EFL criticizes UEFA for compulsory game changes in summarizes the main development covered in this report.
Who confirmed this news?
See the source attribution in the article for where this report was first published or corroborated.