Get ready for a major shake-up in the football calendar! In a move that’s sure to spark debate, 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 feelings about it. 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 iconic holiday period.
This decision, revealed exclusively by Daily Mail Sport, is expected to cause an uproar among supporters who cherish the Easter football tradition. Historically, matches during this time have been a staple since 1889, with Easter Monday fixtures in the top flight dating back to 1892. While games on Easter Sunday have been rare, the holiday weekend has always been a highlight for fans and clubs alike.
So, what’s changing? Next season, the international break will run from March 26 (Good Friday) to March 29 (Easter Monday), leaving both the Premier League and Championship on hiatus. This contrasts sharply with this season’s schedule, where the FA Cup quarter-finals and two full rounds of Championship fixtures are set to take place over Easter. Even the Premier League, which has only played one round over Easter since 2012, will be silent next year.
And this is the part most people miss: FIFA reportedly made this decision without consulting domestic leagues, adding fuel to the fire. With fixture congestion already a hot-button issue, this move feels like another blow to the traditional football calendar. The EFL, which typically plays twice over Easter, will also be affected, though details remain unclear.
But that’s not all. The merged international break in September will see the Premier League and Championship pause from September 19 to October 10, further disrupting the flow of the season. Meanwhile, the EFL season will kick off with the Carabao Cup on August 8, followed by league games on August 15, and the Premier League starting on August 22.
On a brighter note, Boxing Day falls on a Saturday next year, ensuring a full weekend of festive football—a welcome change from this season’s lone Premier League match on December 26. Yet, this small win feels overshadowed by the Easter weekend blackout.
Is FIFA’s decision a necessary adjustment to modern football’s demands, or a disrespectful dismissal of tradition? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. FIFA has been contacted for comment, but one thing is clear: next season’s calendar is already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about in years.
