Explained: Why Chelsea's blockbuster Women's Super League clash with Man Utd has been postponed amid 'frustration' at UEFA's Women's Champions League schedule

The Blues were set to welcome the Red Devils to Kingsmeadow on Sunday, October 6 for a highly-anticipated clash in the WSL, one that had been selected by Sky Sports for broadcast in the UK and had sold out ticket sales in both the home and away ends. However, the game has had to be postponed.

That's because Friday's Champions League group stage draw and UEFA's subsequent release of fixtures for the games has given Chelsea a home game against Real Madrid just two days later.

In a statement, the Women's Professional Leagues Limited, which recently took over responsibility of the WSL, said: "Due to the scheduling of Chelsea’s first UWCL group stage game, the BWSL game between Chelsea and Manchester United due to take place on Sunday October 6 has been postponed. We apologise for any inconvenience to fans. In this instance, we have to put player welfare first and we will announce a new date for the fixture in due course. We thank the clubs and Sky Sports for their understanding as we work on a resolution."

In their own statement, Chelsea explained: "In light of the proximity between the two fixtures, the club raised its concerns regarding player welfare with the relevant parties. Numerous discussions have since taken place in an attempt to find an amicable solution to this scheduling conflict between the league and UEFA. Despite our best efforts to seek alternative options which would allow us to play both matches safely, these have been unsuccessful. It is therefore with sincere regret that we are left with no other option than to confirm the postponement of next weekend’s WSL fixture. We are extremely disappointed with the outcome but wish to reiterate that player welfare and the impact on our supporters are of the utmost importance to us."

Tom Garry, women's football writer at The Guardian, reported earlier this week that there was 'lots of frustration' in England about UEFA's schedule. Frustration among fans at the postponement, however, is exacerbated by the fact that the UWCL group stage dates have been known for some time, with Chelsea set to play a game on either October 8 or 9.

Further information regarding when the game will be played instead will be communicated in due course, with Chelsea offering supporters who purchased match tickets the option to claim a refund up until 48 hours prior to the new date.