Premier League issues apology after two Manchester City fixtures rearranged | OneFootball

Manchester City supporters and the club have received an apology from the Premier League following late amendments to their September fixtures.

Fixture schedule changes are nothing new in English football, particularly for clubs like City who compete on multiple fronts and attract significant broadcast interest from rights holders across the globe.

But frustrations among fans and officials can quickly build when decisions are delayed, impacting travel plans and logistics for supporters, especially for high-profile matches against major rivals.

September was always going to be a high-stakes month in Manchester City’s forthcoming calendar, with the club set to take on both Manchester United and Arsenal in back-to-back weekends.

Anticipation around those clashes has been intense, and the late confirmation of updated details has only heightened the scrutiny on the Premier League’s planning process. Concerns have been raised across the division, with supporters’ groups voicing discontent at delays and poor communication regarding fixture announcements.

For Manchester City, the changes affect two of the most crucial early-season tests in the Premier League. Pep Guardiola’s side are looking to hit the ground running in their pursuit of another title challenge, and clarity over fixture timings is vital for both squad preparations and supporter engagement.

The Premier League’s admission of fault and their promise of six weeks’ notice for future changes may go some way to improving transparency, but for many, the damage has already been done.

As confirmed by the Premier League this week, Manchester City’s home meeting with Manchester United – originally scheduled for Saturday 13 September at 15:00 – has now moved to Sunday 14 September with a 16:30 (UK) kick-off.

The following weekend, City’s match at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal was originally due on Saturday 20 September at 15:00, but will now take place on Sunday 21 September with a 16:30 (UK) kick-off, with both games to be broadcasted live on Sky Sports in the UK.

In response to amendments concerning City’s Premier League fixtures in September, among others across the division, a spokesperson for the competition said: “While our fixture announcement dates advised that September fixtures would be released on July 9, delays in local approvals for fixtures unfortunately meant only August fixtures were announced on this date.

“The Premier League would like to apologise for not being able to confirm these fixtures until now. However, today’s announcement is in line with our commitment to give at least six weeks’ notice for fixture announcements before January.”

Looking ahead, the club and its supporters will now be able to solidify travel arrangements and build up to two of the most anticipated fixtures of the campaign. The Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium is always a landmark moment, while the clash with Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal could have significant implications for early momentum.

The hope from both within City and the wider footballing community is that the Premier League follows through on its commitment to more timely announcements for future fixtures. With mid-season competitions such as the UEFA Champions League league phase also demanding flexibility, calendar clarity will be essential for all involved.