Arsenal vs Hull replay: UEFA allow FA Cup tie to go ahead on Champions League night

Heavy workload: The fixtures are stacking up for Wenger's side
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
James Benge25 February 2016

Arsenal's FA Cup replay with Hull City will take place on Tuesday March 8, just three days after a north London derby that could be decisive in the title race.

Uefa usually discourage fixtures from taking place on the same night as their Champions League and Europa League competitions but the European governing body have agreed to make an exception for the fifth round tie.

Steve Bruce's side departed the Emirates on Saturday having earned a 0-0 draw that suited neither them nor Arsenal, with both clubs loath to add to their fixture burden as they battle at the top of their respective divisions.

As reported by Standard Sport last week the FA were unable to confirm a provisional date for the replay after the game, with "in-depth and exhaustive" discussions required by the clubs and governing bodies to confirm a date.

Arsenal had been concerned that they would face a trip to the north-east two days after playing Tottenham but will now have an additional 24 hours preparation.

FA chief executive Martin Glenn said: "We want all of our clubs to be part of strong, vibrant domestic competitions, to perform well on the European stage and for the England team to be challenging for international honours.

"To have a better chance of achieving these aims more effectively, it is imperative we resolve the on-going problem of match scheduling together.

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“We would like to thank UEFA for taking the time it has to understand our position on this matter.

"Fixture scheduling is an issue for the whole game so let’s build upon the productive conversations we have held with the Premier League and Football League and call upon UEFA to join the discussion to create clear, workable guidelines for the benefit of all.

"This will help our teams in the pursuit for trophies; enable fans to fully enjoy and access all the matches their teams participate in and allow broadcast partners to maximise the TV rights they have purchased."

English football has recently acknowledged the need to offer sides competing in Europe further flexibility in fixture scheduling, embracing the model pioneered by Serie A as Italian clubs close in on the Premier League in the Uefa coefficient rankings.

Should they steal third place from England the Premier League would lose its fourth Champions League spot.

The FA and Premier League have opened discussions over scrapping FA Cup replays and moving ties to midweek in a bid to add a winter break to the English season.

Arsenal will offer subsidised coach travel to away supporters attending the replay, with return tickets to and from the ground priced at £10.

Hull were previously scheduled to play Brentford at the KC Stadium on Tuesday March 8 but the Championship fixture will need to be rearranged to accommodate the Gunners' tie.

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