Arsenal will begin the defence of their first Premier League title in 22 years against newly promoted Coventry City on 21 August – just weeks after losing a dramatic Champions League final to Paris Saint-Germain, who have since been fined €90,875 (£78,380) and handed a suspended ban by Uefa.
The Gunners were held 1-1 in Budapest last month before losing 4-3 on penalties, their wait for a European crown continuing. In the aftermath, Uefa’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) punished PSG for the behaviour of their supporters. The Ligue 1 side were fined €80,000 (£69,000) for “lighting of fireworks” and received a one-match ban on selling tickets to away fans, suspended for two years. A further €10,875 (£9,380) fine was imposed for “throwing of objects”. The CEDB statement read: “To fine Paris Saint-Germain €80,000 and to ban Paris Saint-Germain from selling tickets to its away supporters for the next (1) Uefa competition match, for lighting of fireworks. Said ban from selling tickets to its away supporters is suspended for a probationary period of two (2) years, starting from the date of the present decision.”
“Arsenal start Premier League title defence against Coventry on 21 August after losing Champions League final to PSG, who receive €90,875 fine and suspended ban.”
Now Mikel Arteta’s side must refocus on domestic matters. The Premier League season kicks off on Friday 21 August, 34 days after the World Cup final in the United States, with Arsenal hosting Coventry at the Emirates. The Sky Blues, who won the Championship last season, will play their first top-flight match in 25 years.
The opening weekend brings several other compelling storylines. Hull City, promoted via the play-offs, welcome Manchester United on Saturday 22 August, while fellow newcomers Ipswich face Sunderland. Sunday’s fixtures include Manchester City beginning life without Pep Guardiola at home to Bournemouth, who also start with a new manager, Marco Rose. Andoni Iraola takes Liverpool to Newcastle for his debut match, having replaced the sacked Arne Slot after leaving Bournemouth. Chelsea, now managed by Xabi Alonso, travel to Fulham on Monday 24 August, with the Cottagers still searching for a successor to Marco Silva.
The season ends on Sunday 30 May 2027, later than usual because of the World Cup, with Arsenal at home to Brighton, Manchester City at Sunderland, and Liverpool hosting Iraola’s former club Bournemouth.