Aston Villa urge Premier League to reject Tottenham's fixture change request

Aston Villa have rejected Tottenham Hotspur’s request to reschedule their Premier League clash in May, which Spurs hoped would boost their chances of success in Europe.

The two teams are set to face off on May 18 in their penultimate league match of the season.

However, Spurs announced on Sunday that they have requested the fixture be moved to May 15, citing their push for the Europa League final.

The request comes as Spurs aim to reach the final, with the original schedule placing the Villa match just three days before the decider in Bilbao.

A club statement read: “We should like to inform supporters that we are in discussions with the Premier League regarding a change in date to our away Premier League match against Aston Villa, currently scheduled for Sunday 18 May.”

Villa, however, are not in favour of the proposed change.

According to BBC Sport, the club have written to the Premier League to object, citing a lack of precedent for rescheduling matches to accommodate teams competing in Europe.

Additionally, the match would be Villa’s final home game of the season, and a rescheduling would force them to cancel several family-friendly activities planned for the occasion.

Villa also pointed to their own busy fixture list as another reason for opposing the change.

The club have regularly played twice a week since April, balancing their commitments in the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup.

Tottenham, under Ange Postecoglou, are currently preparing for their European semi-final against Bodo/Glimt, with the first leg set for Thursday.

The winner of the tie will face either Manchester United or Athletic Bilbao in the final.