February 28 – The prospect of a winter break in top-flight English football, which has been discussed and debated for years with public opinion split, appears to be edging closer.
Several media organisations say talks are at an advanced stage to introduce a staggered break in the month of February from the 2019/20 season onwards that will guarantee all 20 Premier League clubs at least 13 days between games.
The idea apparently ensures there would be no weekend without Premier League, with five games on one weekend and five on the next in order to maintain some kind of continuity in line with past tradition.
Teams in the lower leagues would not be affected directly since they need to play even more games per season. However, the proposal would mean the FA Cup, the world’s oldest domestic knockout competition, being further diluted with the fifth round (the last 16) moved to midweek and no potentially lucrative replays for smaller teams.
Reports suggest both the Premier League and the Football League are generally happy with the plan that has been proposed as it stands with a decision now resting with the Football Association.
Winter breaks have become de rigueur in the top leagues in Europe but they all take place between December and January. That, however, is the busiest period for Premier League sides.
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