Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta fires warning over fixture congestion – insisting clubs could pull out of competitions

Mikel Arteta has warned that ‘anything is possible’ when asked if clubs could be forced to pull out of competitions amid a fixture pile-up.

Arsenal are set to play Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, which is designated to fall on either Tuesday December 16 or Wednesday December 17.

It is understood that the Gunners have requested for the match to be held on the Tuesday.

Yet Palace play Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday December 14, and then face Kuopion Palloseura in the Europa Conference League on Thursday December 18.

That would leave the south London side with three games in five days.

The topic of fixture congestion has long been a contention one among players. In September 2024, Manchester City midfielder Rodri suggested players could strike over increasing fixture congestion, with his side competing in the new-look Champions League and an expanded Club World Cup.

Man City midfielder Rodri suggested players could strike over fixture congestion in 2024

One month later, the midfielder suffered a season-ending injury.

Arteta said: ‘Well, every decision that we make in terms of a fixture has to be guided on two main things: players’ welfare and then supporters. That’s it. And the rest has to come very, very far away from that. And we should never forget that principle. That’s the only thing I would say.’

When asked if clubs in multiple competitions could be forced to pull out of certain competitions, he replied: ‘I hope we don’t go (that way). If we have that big piece of paper with those two principles there in front before we make any decision, all of us in our industry, we won’t get there.

‘If we don’t and we just ignore that, then anything is possible.’