Unveiling the Surprising Decision: No Premier League or Championship Football Over Easter Weekend Next Season
By MIKE KEEGAN, CHIEF SPORTS REPORTER
Published: 09:39, 3 March 2026 | Updated: 11:03, 3 March 2026
Get ready for a game-changer in the football calendar! Daily Mail Sport has the scoop on a move that will leave fans and teams alike scratching their heads. Next season, the Premier League and Championship will take a break over Easter, defying tradition and leaving many scratching their heads. But why? And what does this mean for the beautiful game?
Sources reveal that FIFA's international break will now include Good Friday and Easter Monday, causing a ripple effect across the English football league system. This means that both the top-flight Premier League and the Championship, which usually have back-to-back matchdays, will be off the pitch during this time. It's a bold move that has sparked debate and raised questions about the future of the Easter football tradition.
The international break, which usually falls after the weekend of March 21 and 22, will now span two weeks, covering Good Friday (March 26) and Easter Monday (March 29). This means that the Premier League and Championship will pause just as they are heating up, leaving fans with a long wait for the next big match. But why the change?
According to insiders, FIFA made the decision without consulting domestic leagues, which have been under increasing fixture pressures. This has led to some frustration among clubs, who feel they were not given a say in the matter. The move has also sparked a debate about the importance of international breaks and the impact they have on domestic leagues.
The first Easter Saturday match took place in 1889, and games over the Easter period have been a staple for more than 100 years. While games have rarely been played on the Sunday, top-flight matches on Easter Monday began in 1892. This season, the FA Cup quarter-finals will be played over Easter weekend, with two full programmes of Championship fixtures also scheduled. But next season, it's all about the international break.
So, what does this mean for fans and teams? Well, it's a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, it means a longer wait for the next big match. On the other hand, it could provide an opportunity for teams to rest and recover, especially those with players called up for international duty. It's a delicate balance that will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.
According to the report, the EFL season will start with the first round of the Carabao Cup, although matches will take place on August 8 rather than a week earlier. League games will kick off on August 15, while the Premier League will begin on August 22. So, while the Easter break may be a disappointment for some, it's just one part of a larger calendar shake-up.
FIFA has been contacted for comment, and we'll be sure to update you on any response. In the meantime, it's a thought-provoking development that has sparked debate and discussion among football fans and pundits. So, what do you think? Is this a necessary change, or a missed opportunity for tradition? Let us know in the comments below!
