Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has criticised the English Football League (EFL) for its handling of fixture scheduling, arguing that the organisation has shown a lack of respect for the UEFA Conference League. The remarks come amid a particularly congested period for Palace, who are competing in four competitions this season.

Fixture Congestion Hits Crystal Palace

Palace are set to face Arsenal in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, scheduled for Tuesday at 20:00 GMT. The match falls in the week immediately following the other quarter-finals, creating a packed schedule for Glasner’s side.

The EFL moved the game to accommodate Palace’s UEFA Conference League fixture against KuPS, which took place last Thursday. This European tie came in between Premier League matches against Manchester City on 14 December and Leeds United on Saturday, leaving Palace with four matches in 10 days.

“This is the only criticism I have for the EFL,” Glasner said after Palace’s 4-1 defeat at Leeds, which left the team with only one victory in eight Conference League outings this season.

“I think to fix a round when a Conference League game is played just shows the [lack of] respect for the Conference League because they would never fix a round for the Champions League or Europa League,” Glasner added.

The EFL’s Stance

The EFL has previously defended its position, citing the expansion of European cup competitions and the resulting logistical challenges. In November, the league criticised the implementation of additional European competitions without proper consultation with domestic leagues, while emphasising that it had “shown a willingness to compromise.”

With the UEFA European calendar now spanning 10 midweeks, compared to six two seasons ago, the EFL has had to navigate logistical headaches including the seeding and extended scheduling of the EFL Cup third round to avoid clashes with Champions League and Europa League fixtures.

Despite the criticism, Glasner insisted that his team does not complain about the workload. “We are in four competitions and we want these games… It’s not to complain about it. We are never complaining about the amount of games,” he said.

The Broader Impact on English Clubs

The situation highlights a growing tension between domestic leagues and European governing bodies as the football calendar becomes increasingly congested. Clubs competing in multiple competitions, such as the Premier League, EFL Cup, and European tournaments, face scheduling challenges that can affect performance, player fatigue, and strategic planning.

Glasner’s comments underscore the need for better coordination between UEFA and domestic leagues, especially as the UEFA Conference League gains importance as Europe’s third-tier competition.