TV pick causes EFL Cup fixture chaos

This month’s EFL Cup second-round fixture announcement has been beset by scheduling issues caused by Sky Sports selecting Fulham vs Chelsea for a Monday night kick-off.

Due to policing constraints and fixture clashes the Premier League match between the two West London clubs has had a huge knock on effect in the EFL – forcing games to be moved with barely two weeks notice.

For example, AFC Wimbledon’s two league games – against Wigan Athletic and Burton Albion – taking place later this month have both been moved to provide adequate rest days for players between fixtures.

In total, six EFL games have been moved at 18-21 days notice due to the Fulham and Chelsea’s Monday night clash. The dates for those EFL games had originally been locked in two weeks ago.

Impacted games and teams:

Likely, Thurs 27 Aug
Fulham v Wimbledon
Chelsea v Luton

Currently, Sat 29 Aug – could be Sun
Wimbledon v Wigan
Mansfield v Luton

Currently, Tue 1 Sept – could be Weds
Burton v Wimbledon
Wigan v MK Dons
Luton v Stockport
Reading v Mansfield#CarabaoCup https://t.co/SscD0NqAOC

— Dale Johnson (@DaleJohnsonBBC) August 10, 2026

What does the FSA think?

Sky Sports’ decision to choose the Fulham vs Chelsea game for its first Monday night game of the 2026-27 season shows a serious lack of consideration for matchgoing fans trying to plan for upcoming games which are then unexpectedly moved.

One single TV selection made by Sky Sports in the Premier League should not have the ability to cause this much chaos in the EFL.

By fans, for fans – join the FSA…