Aston Villa's football director, Damián Vidagany, has launched a scathing attack on the Premier League's festive fixture scheduling, suggesting it provides an unfair advantage to some of the division's wealthiest clubs.
Villa's Gruelling Festive Run
The controversy stems from Villa's demanding schedule over the New Year period. The team faces a trip to face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, just three days after securing a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory away at Chelsea. This means Unai Emery's side will play two challenging away matches within a 72-hour window.
Compounding the issue, Villa will have played Arsenal twice before they host Nottingham Forest at Villa Park on January 3rd. Manager Unai Emery stated he did not understand the logic behind the fixture ordering, but his close ally Vidagany went much further in his criticism.
Claims of an Unfair Advantage
In a pointed social media post, Vidagany highlighted what he perceives as an inequity in the schedule. He noted that clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United are all set to play two consecutive home matches during the same busy period, avoiding the physical toll of travel.
"Totally understand our manager," Vidagany wrote. "Why the EPL brings a match day from the second half of the season before matchday 19 has not a clear explanation. I asked the EPL people and they didn't tell us. So it is a mystery."
He added, "The fact is that, willing or not, this makes the fixtures more convenient for certain clubs that do not travel in this busy Christmas period... To make us play 2 away games in less than 72 hours will never be an excuse but we agree it is much better for recovery to play twice at home and not travel."
Premier League's Defence and Wider Context
Vidagany concluded by stressing he did not believe Villa had any influence over the process, stating it "would be a disgrace" if matches became "political territory." In response, Premier League sources have defended the scheduling process.
They emphasised that multiple factors are considered when compiling the calendar and that there is no rigid rule about how matches must be ordered. Officials also pointed to the expanded format of European club competitions as a key factor putting additional pressure on an already congested fixture list.
The row throws a spotlight on the perennial debate around fixture congestion, particularly during the demanding festive schedule, and raises questions about competitive balance at the highest level of English football.
