FIFA implements major changes, forcing the Premier League to abandon a tradition lasting over a century.

The 2026/27 season is set to introduce a never-before-seen major shift for supporters of English football.

According to the new international match calendar issued by FIFA for the 2026–2030 period, the Premier League will have to pause for up to 21 consecutive days, with no matches taking place over the Easter holiday period—a fixture tradition considered a hallmark of English football for more than a century.

Specifically, the traditional national team call-ups in September and October will be merged into a single break lasting from September 21 to October 11. During this period, clubs in the Premier League and the Championship will be compelled to release players for international duty, with up to four international matches scheduled. This means fans will be unable to watch any top-tier domestic football for three full weeks.

Furthermore, the March FIFA Days window has also been adjusted, extended to cover both Good Friday and Easter Monday. Typically, the Premier League schedules a match round over the Easter weekend, while the Championship and other EFL leagues even arrange two matches during this period. This is regarded as one of the most traditional and fixture-dense parts of the season. However, in the 2026/27 season, all these domestic matches will give way to the international calendar.

According to information from the Daily Mail, domestic matches will conclude on March 20 before players join their national teams. Club football will only resume in early April with the FA Cup quarter-finals. The elimination of football over Easter effectively ends a tradition dating back to the late 19th century, when top-flight English matches have always been played during this special holiday period.

FIFA's decision is said to have been made without full consultation with English clubs. Given an already congested schedule and growing concerns over player burnout, adding extended breaks packed with multiple international matches could heighten tensions between clubs and the governing body.

In addition, the start date of the new season will also change. The first round of the Carabao Cup is set for August 8, followed by the start of EFL competitions from August 15. The 2026/27 Premier League season will officially kick off on August 22.

With these landmark adjustments, the 2026/27 season will not only change professionally but also strongly impact the viewing habits of millions of fans. The 21-day break and the absence of football over Easter are certain to generate considerable debate in the coming period.