FA dismiss Roberto Di Matteo's FA Cup plea

The FA have reportedly dismissed Roberto Di Matteo's plea to change the date of Chelsea's FA Cup semi-final fixture.

The Blues are due to face Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley on Sunday, April 15.

If Chelsea progress past Benfica in the Champions League then they would have to play a last-four tie just two days after their FA Cup clash.

Di Matteo asked for the Cup fixture to be moved to a Friday night, but the FA have reportedly denied the change.

FA sources claim that holding the fixture on a Friday night could cause a number of problems, including fans being able to drink all day, according to The Sun.

Liverpool asked not to play their semi-final against Everton on the Sunday as it coincides with the 23rd anniversary of the Hillsborough tragedy.