Unveiling the Surprising Decision: No Premier League or Championship Football Over Easter 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 world of football! Daily Mail Sport has uncovered a shocking revelation: there will be no Premier League or Championship matches over the Easter weekend next season. This unexpected move is set to disrupt traditions and spark debates among fans.
According to sources, FIFA's international break next year will conveniently fall on Good Friday (March 26) and Easter Monday (March 29). As a result, both the Premier League and Championship will be on a hiatus, leaving fans without their usual football fix during this festive period. This decision comes as a surprise, especially considering the long-standing tradition of Easter football matches.
The impact of this change will be far-reaching. The top-flight league, which typically plays one round, and the Championship, with its two sets of matches, will both be off the pitch. This could potentially affect other games across the EFL, causing a ripple effect throughout the footballing ecosystem.
This season, the international break starts after the weekend of March 21 and 22, but next season, it will overlap with the Easter weekend. The FA Cup quarter-finals will resume on April 3, and most international games are expected to take place on Saturdays and Tuesdays. Insiders reveal that FIFA made this decision without consulting domestic leagues, adding to the growing fixture pressures.
The history of Easter football matches dates back to 1889, with the first Easter Saturday match. Top-flight matches on Easter Monday began in 1892 and have been a beloved tradition for over a century. However, this upcoming change might challenge the established rhythm of the sport.
Premier League clubs have played once per weekend since 2012, while EFL clubs play twice. Leagues One and Two teams, with minimal player international duty, also participate. The EFL season will commence with the Carabao Cup first round on August 8, followed by league games on August 15, and the Premier League on August 22. Boxing Day, traditionally a Saturday, will return to its normal schedule, avoiding the single Premier League match this season.
FIFA has yet to respond to requests for comment, leaving fans and experts alike awaiting further insights. This controversial decision raises questions about the balance between international and domestic football, leaving us curious to see how it unfolds.
