The FA have announced a deal with the Premier League and English Football League to introduce a two-weeks mid-season break in February from 2019-2020 season.

After years on this issue, the FA and the leagues have now agreed that the players should be given more rest without upsetting broadcasters and sponsors.

To make room for the two-weeks break, The Fa Cup's fifth round matches will be played midweek, while a round of Premier League fixtures will be played over two weekends, with five matches one weekend and another five the next.

The two-weeks mid-season break will take place in February and would be structured to ensure that Premier League matches would still be played every weekend over that period.

Each weekend during the break will feature 5 Premier League matches and five on the following weekend.

FA Chief Executive, Martin Glenn Said:

"This is a significant moment for English football and one that we believe will greatly benefit both club and country. It's no secret that we have a very congested fixture calendar and over recent years we have been working with the whole game to find a solution.

"Today’s announcement proves that football can come together for the good of the game. We have also found a way to give the players a much needed mid-season break, whilst keeping the much-loved Christmas schedule in place. As we head into summer international tournaments in the future we are sure that this mid-season break will prove to be a valuable addition for our players."

Premier League Executive Chairman, Richard Scudamore added:

"We have been discussing the football calendar with The FA and EFL for several months, including ways we can work together to ease fixture congestion, keep the Premier League action going right through the season and provide a mid-season player break.

“We are very pleased to have an outcome that will include an exciting first for fans – a full fixture programme split over two weekends with all matches broadcast live in the UK."

Source: http://www.sportdab.com.ng/2018/06/wow-english-fa-announce-premier-league.html

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