Get ready for a major shake-up in the football calendar! In a move that’s sure to spark heated debates, there will be no Premier League or Championship matches over the Easter weekend next season. Yes, you read that right—a tradition spanning over a century is being upended, and fans are bound to have strong opinions. But here's where it gets controversial: FIFA’s international break will now include Good Friday and Easter Monday, effectively sidelining England’s top two tiers during this cherished holiday period.
This decision, revealed exclusively by Daily Mail Sport, comes as FIFA reshuffles the calendar to manage the growing demands on players. Sources indicate that domestic leagues were not consulted, raising questions about the balance of power in global football governance. And this is the part most people miss: while the Premier League and Championship will pause, other EFL games are also likely to be affected, creating a ripple effect across the sport.
Historically, Easter football has been a staple since 1889, with matches on Easter Monday becoming a tradition in 1892. This season, the FA Cup quarter-finals and Championship fixtures filled the Easter weekend, but next year, the FA Cup won’t kick off again until April 3. The majority of international games are expected to take place on the Saturday and Tuesday of the break, leaving domestic fans with a rare football-free Easter.
Adding to the complexity, a merged international break in September will see the Premier League and Championship halt after September 19, only resuming on October 10. Meanwhile, the EFL season will start earlier than usual, with the Carabao Cup’s first round on August 8, followed by league games on August 15 and the Premier League’s kickoff on August 22.
Boxing Day, falling on a Saturday, will see a return to a full weekend of fixtures, unlike this season’s limited schedule. But the bigger question remains: Is FIFA’s decision a necessary adjustment to modern football’s demands, or a disregard for tradition and domestic league interests? What do you think? Is this a step too far, or a pragmatic solution to fixture congestion? Let us know in the comments—this debate is just getting started!
