Villa Label Fixture Switch ‘Unfair’ as Premier League Approves Tottenham Request
Aston Villa officials have voiced their frustration after the Premier League confirmed their home clash with Tottenham Hotspur would be brought forward by two days to accommodate Spurs’ potential involvement in the Europa League final.
The match, originally scheduled for Sunday 18 May, will now kick off at 19:30 BST on Friday 16 May — a move Villa say disrupts fans and undermines fairness.
Spurs submitted the request to move the fixture to allow more preparation time ahead of the Europa League final on 21 May. Ange Postecoglou’s side hold a 3-1 lead over Bodø/Glimt heading into their semi-final second leg.
Villa Officials Slam ‘Prejudice’ in Decision
Villa’s director of football operations, Damian Vidagany, expressed disappointment publicly: “Fixture changed and honestly, not happy. We really pushed — with solid and fair grounds — to protect our fans and keep the game on Sunday.”
He claimed the decision showed “clear prejudice” and suggested Villa did not receive similar treatment in previous congested fixture periods. Vidagany added that Friday evening was “the least damaging” alternative to even earlier dates.
Sporting director Monchi echoed those concerns, saying the rescheduling “was not what they wanted” and that the disruption to supporters “was not deserved.”
Premier League Stands by Decision
The Premier League defended its move, noting that it ensures fairness for both potential Europa League finalists. Manchester United’s match against Chelsea will also be played on the same evening at 20:15 BST, ensuring equal recovery time.
Even if Tottenham are eliminated before the final, the fixture change will remain in place. Villa had objected, citing a lack of precedent and concerns over family activities planned for their final home game of the season, which will now fall on a school night.
European Race Adds Extra Tension
With Villa currently in the European mix and Spurs battling for silverware, tensions are high heading into the rearranged fixture. Villa have played every three to four days recently due to Champions League and FA Cup commitments and feel the burden is being unequally shared.
New kick-off: Aston Villa vs Tottenham – Friday, 16 May | 19:30 BST