PL reject fixture criticism

Wenger complaints dismissed

Last updated: 17th December 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

PL reject fixture criticism

Wenger: Criticisms rejected

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The Premier League have defended the organisation of their fixtures following criticism from Arsene Wenger.

The Arsenal manager vented his fury at being asked to play three times in a week after seeing his side held to a 1-1 draw by Burnley on Wednesday.

Wenger was unhappy that Arsenal's next opponents Hull City were not in action in midweek and will have had longer to prepare for Saturday's clash.

It is not thought he will face any action over his remarks but the Premier League have responded to his argument.

Complicated

"The Premier League fixture calendar is a complicated process," said a Premier League spokesperson.

"It is as fair as possible to the clubs who all take an active part in the process ahead of the fixtures being announced."

The Premier League season concludes on 9th May due to the World Cup, while other factors for the way fixtures have been compiled include the UEFA Champions League last-16 matches being played over four weeks rather than two.

The final of the Champions League being on a Saturday also impacts on the FA Cup final.

The spokesperson explained: "This Barclays Premier League season has been a particularly difficult one to schedule given an increased amount of Champions League and Europa League dates from UEFA, and a truncated season because of the FIFA World Cup. That will not be the case next season."