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Chelsea’s Women’s Super League (WSL) game against Manchester United, scheduled for next Sunday, has been postponed due to a scheduling conflict with Chelsea’s European fixtures. The decision comes after the Women’s Champions League draw placed Chelsea’s group-stage match against Real Madrid just two days after the United game, on Tuesday, 8 October.
Chelsea expressed regret in a statement, explaining that “numerous discussions” to find a solution proved unsuccessful. The club emphasized that player welfare and fan consideration were key factors in the decision. The WSL fixture was set to be broadcast live on Sky Sports, and a new date is yet to be confirmed, with ticket refunds available up to 48 hours before the rescheduled game.
The Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL), which oversees the WSL, also apologized for the disruption, citing player welfare as the priority. The organization had been in contact with UEFA prior to the draw, requesting that no English team play on 8 October, foreseeing potential scheduling issues.
UEFA defended its decision, referencing its established draw principles that ensure top-seeded clubs from the same country play on different days of each match week.
The postponement highlights growing concerns over fixture congestion in women’s football. Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall recently criticized the scheduling challenges, claiming the WSL and UEFA show “zero concerns” for adequate recovery time for players.
