UEFA praised as Tottenham, Chelsea to benefit from major rule change next month
UEFA has been praised over a major rule change that will benefit both Tottenham and Chelsea next month.
Tottenham have struggled badly domestically this season heading into Saturday’s Premier League clash with Ipswich Town at Portman Road.
However, Ange Postecoglou still has Spurs on course for some sort of success this season as they are in the hunt to win the Europa League.
Tottenham have been drawn to face AZ Alkmaar in the last 16, which could put security officials on high alert after scenes involving West Ham United in the recent past.
Tottenham and Chelsea to play at home on same night in Europe
The Met Police will be further stretched next month as Tottenham and Chelsea have been drawn to play their respective European home ties on the same night in a potential headache for UEFA.
Previously, UEFA had rules in place preventing sides within a certain distance of each other playing at home on the same day.
However, those rules have been relaxed and the London rivals can now stage their fixtures on the same day, although the kickoff times for both fixtures have yet to be locked in.
Tottenham are due to face AZ in North London on 13 March, while Chelsea host FC Copenhagen the same evening.
Keith Hackett praises UEFA over Tottenham and Chelsea decision
While it does potentially cause a logistical nightmare for the authorities, with over 100,000 fans mixing in the capital, former FIFA official Keith Hackett believes it is a smart decision.
“It does make sense for UEFA to do this,” Hackett exclusively told Tottenham News. “Before the go-ahead, both clubs will have had to satisfy UEFA with regard to security.
“Both teams have an excellent record in Europe with regard to behaviour and this will have been factored into the decision.
“With busy schedules for all teams at this stage of the season, they will also be thinking about player recovery, etc. It should be an interesting evening for both teams.”
| Game | Date |
| AZ v Tottenham | 6 March |
| Tottenham v AZ | 13 March |
The alternative would have been forcing either Tottenham or Chelsea to play on a different midweek night, meaning potentially shifting Premier League fixtures.
This decision therefore makes perfect sense, and it is now down to both sets of supporters – or all four when factoring in the visiting teams – to properly behave.