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 uncovered a bombshell revelation that will leave fans and clubs alike scratching their heads. Next season, the Premier League and Championship will take a break over Easter, defying tradition and causing a stir in the footballing world. But why? And what does this mean for the beautiful game?
In a move that has sparked controversy, sources reveal that FIFA's international break will next year overlap with Good Friday and Easter Monday. This decision, made without consulting domestic leagues, will result in a complete halt to top-flight and second-tier matches during this traditionally busy period. The FA Cup quarter-finals, usually a highlight of the Easter weekend, will also be affected, with fixtures rescheduled to restart the competition on April 3.
The international break, which usually spans two weeks, will now cover the crucial dates of March 26 (Good Friday) and March 29 (Easter Monday). This means that the Premier League and Championship will pause after the weekend of March 21-22, with no matches scheduled until April 3. While the majority of international games are expected to take place on Saturday and Tuesday, the domestic leagues will have to adapt to this new calendar.
This isn't the first time the Easter weekend has been disrupted. The first Easter Saturday match took place in 1889, and top-flight matches on Easter Monday began in 1892. However, the decision to merge the international break with Easter has caused a stir, especially since Premier League clubs have only played once over the weekend since 2012, while EFL clubs have played twice. This change may leave fans and clubs with a sense of uncertainty and a need to adjust their plans.
But here's where it gets controversial... The EFL season will start with the first round of the Carabao Cup on August 8, followed by league games on August 15 and the Premier League on August 22. This means that Boxing Day, traditionally a Saturday, will now be a normal weekend round with a host of games. Will this change the dynamics of the festive period for football fans? And what does it mean for the clubs and players who rely on these matches for revenue and morale?
As the football world grapples with this unexpected turn of events, one thing is clear: the Easter weekend will never be the same again. Will fans and clubs embrace this change, or will it be met with resistance and calls for a return to tradition? The debate is sure to rage on, and we invite you to join the conversation. Do you think this decision will impact the Premier League and Championship in the long run? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
