Arsenal Women could be forced to play their final Champions League group stage fixture at a different venue next month.

The Gunners were due to play Bayern Munich at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, December 18, but Arsenal men’s Carabao Cup tie against Crystal Palace has been confirmed to take place on the same night.

Arsenal Women’s Champions League fixture details were confirmed on the 28th September, meaning the Bayern clash has been scheduled for over a month.

However, Crystal Palace play away to Brighton on Sunday, December 15, and Arsenal would have been forced to let Bayern Women train at the Emirates on Tuesday, December 17, meaning the League Cup tie could not be played on that day.

Arsenal then meet Crystal Palace again on Saturday, live on Sky Sports, making a Thursday tie too close in proximity.

Arsenal said: “We are liaising with UEFA, and further details regarding our UEFA Women’s Champions League match against Bayern Munich will be announced in due course.”

With many fans having booked travel and hotels, Arsenal Women Supporters Club expressed their frustration on X: “Really disappointed by the change in priorities for this game. 

“It’s been set in stone for a while, and now shifting the date affects so many people, especially travelling and international Gooners who have already booked flights and hotels.”

BBC Sport’s Emma Sanders has reported that Meadow Park, where Arsenal Women play some of their home fixtures, does not fit UEFA regulations, with conversations over flexibility on that issue currently taking place.

Arsenal Women could likely play the game at an alternative venue on the same night the original fixture was scheduled for, and this ground would have to meet UEFA regulations. Even if Meadow Park does become an option, the number of tickets already sold could dwarf its capacity, making for further issues.

Bayern Munich: "Arsenal FC are expected to change the venue of their @UWCL group match against the #FCBayern women on December 18. The match was originally scheduled to take place at the Emirates Stadium."

— Freddie Cardy (@CardyFreddie) November 7, 2024