Winter break set to be introduced to English football

Plans to implement the break were proposed almost two years ago by FA chief executive Martin Glenn, and as reported by 'Sky Sports', the planned changes have been agreed in principal, and are likely to be put into place for the 2019/20 season. 

The proposed changes will see a two week break introduced in late January/early February, during which only one set of Premier League games would be played. There would also be one midweek FA Cup game played, which will be decided on extra-time and penalties if it is a draw at full-time. FA Cup clashes had previously been taken to replays in this case.

This reduced fixture list for the period is intended to give teams time to recover, and it is likely that many sides will use the opportunity to go on overseas training camps. However, it is expected to be discouraged for teams to use the time for money-making tours in Asia or the US. 

A key motive for the changes is the hope that a break will aid the English national side's chances going into international tournaments. Other top leagues in Europe, such as the Bundesliga, have complete shutdowns over winter, and there has been much talk in the past over the packed schedule in England being a reason for the national side's failures at big tournaments.

One of the main objections previously raised by fans over the topic was the issue that the break would ruin the jam-packed football schedule over the festive period, which is one of the best parts about Christmas for many football fans. However, this break will not impact the Christmas period itself, instead acting as respite after this busy period. 

The changes are not yet 100% confirmed, however it seems increasingly likely that confirmation will be released soon.