Premier League 'rules out 4pm Christmas Eve fixture'

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore is said to have ruled out the possibility of moving a game to 4pm on Christmas Eve.

Last month it emerged that Sky Sports had requested that Liverpool's trip to Arsenal on December 23 be moved to the following day, provoking ire from fans of both teams.

As part of Sky's rights deal with the league, the broadcaster can technically show two games on Christmas Eve this year as it falls on a Sunday, but lengthy trips could prove problematic for away fans due to limited travel options.

Scudamore is thought to have met with the Football Supporters' Federation today and ruled out staging a 'late' game on Christmas Eve.

In a statement, the FSF said: "Premier League CEO Richard Scudamore commits to no 4pm KO on Xmas Eve following this morning's FSF Fans Group meeting."

Other games under consideration for Christmas Eve are said to include Manchester United's trip to Leicester City and Newcastle United's lengthy trip to West Ham United.

Sky is expected to announce its Christmas TV picks this Thursday.