The English Football League has publicly expressed its frustration with UEFA after the newly confirmed 2026/27 Champions League schedule forced changes to Carabao Cup fixtures. The issue centres on Liverpool’s Champions League league-phase match against Atlético Madrid at Anfield on September 9.
Everton had already been scheduled to host Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup on the same evening, but logistical and policing requirements mean Everton and Liverpool cannot stage home fixtures simultaneously. As a result, Everton vs Wolves has now been moved to September 16.
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Why Everton vs Wolves Had to Be Moved
The EFL said Everton’s Carabao Cup third-round match against Wolves had been confirmed for September 9 after consultation with the relevant local stakeholders. UEFA subsequently placed Liverpool’s home Champions League match against Atlético Madrid on the same date.
With Goodison Park and Anfield located within the same city, local policing and operational requirements prevent the two clubs from hosting major matches on the same evening.
The EFL therefore had to find an alternative date for Everton’s cup tie. UEFA’s official Champions League schedule still lists Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid for September 9, while Everton vs Wolves has been pushed back by one week.
EFL Says UEFA Would Not Move Liverpool Fixture
According to the EFL, discussions were held with UEFA in an attempt to solve the problem. However, UEFA was unwilling to move Liverpool’s Champions League fixture because changing the date could affect supporters travelling internationally for the match.
That left the domestic cup schedule as the part of the calendar that had to change. The EFL said the situation was particularly frustrating because English domestic competitions have previously made adjustments to accommodate the expansion of UEFA club competitions.
Liverpool vs Tottenham Also Affected
Moving Everton vs Wolves to September 16 created another scheduling problem. Liverpool had been due to face Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup on that date.
That fixture has now been brought forward by 24 hours, meaning Liverpool and Tottenham must also adjust their preparations. The situation demonstrates how changing one game in an increasingly crowded football calendar can quickly affect several clubs.
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Why the Fixture Dispute Matters
This is more than a disagreement between two football organisations. Fixture changes can affect supporters who have already arranged travel, accommodation and time away from work. Clubs must also alter training schedules, recovery plans and match preparation.
The wider issue is becoming increasingly important as UEFA competitions continue to expand. The Champions League league phase now requires each club to play eight matches against eight different opponents, with European fixtures spread across more dates than under the previous group-stage format.
Domestic leagues and cup competitions must fit their own schedules around those European games, international breaks and Premier League fixtures. When organisations do not coordinate dates early enough, supporters and clubs can ultimately carry the consequences.
What Happens Now?
Liverpool’s Champions League meeting with Atlético Madrid remains scheduled for September 9. Everton will instead host Wolves on September 16, while Liverpool’s Carabao Cup fixture against Tottenham has been moved forward by one day.
There is currently no indication that UEFA intends to change the Champions League fixture. The disagreement could, however, increase pressure for UEFA and domestic football authorities to improve coordination when future schedules are produced.
Conclusion
The EFL’s criticism of UEFA highlights one of the growing challenges facing European football: fitting an expanding international club calendar alongside domestic competitions.
Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid will remain on September 9, but that decision has forced Everton vs Wolves to move and created a further adjustment to Liverpool’s Carabao Cup meeting with Tottenham.
For supporters, the immediate issue is knowing the revised dates. For football authorities, the bigger question is how similar scheduling conflicts can be avoided as the calendar becomes increasingly congested.