Historic Break: Premier League Set For Unprecedented 16-Day International Pause

The English Premier League is set for its longest international break in history this season, with top-flight football scheduled to pause for 16 days between September and October.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the extended break will begin after Matchweek Five on September 20, with Premier League action scheduled to resume on October 10 for Matchweek Six.

The unusual break follows FIFA’s decision to merge the traditional September and October international windows into a single extended period running from September 21 to October 6. Under the revised calendar, national teams will be able to play four matches during the window instead of the usual two.

The Premier League said the new arrangement is partly designed to reduce the number of long-distance journeys made by players representing their countries. The league also said the change will reduce the number of international breaks between the beginning of the domestic season and the end of the year from three to two.

European nations are expected to use the window for UEFA Nations League fixtures, while African countries will continue their Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaigns. Teams from the CONCACAF region will combine Nations League matches with international friendlies, while several Asian and South American nations are expected to play friendly matches during the period.

The revised calendar was unanimously approved by the FIFA Council in 2023, with player welfare among the factors considered in the decision.

Before the change, Premier League players typically had four nine-day international windows during the season, covering September, October, November and March, with national teams generally playing two matches during each period.

Under the new arrangement, the September and October windows have been combined into one 16-day period, allowing countries to play four international fixtures.

The Premier League noted that the break could feel even longer for clubs because players returning from international duty may not feature for their teams until the following weekend.

The next international break is scheduled for November 9 to 17, falling between Matchweeks 10 and 11. European teams will continue their Nations League campaigns, while African nations are expected to play additional AFCON qualifying matches.

The final international window of the Premier League season will run from March 22 to 30, between Matchweeks 30 and 31. That period is expected to include the beginning of Euro 2028 qualifying for some countries, UEFA Nations League knockout fixtures, further AFCON qualification matches and the CONCACAF Nations League final.

The Premier League explained that the current international-break system dates back to 2002, when FIFA introduced fixed periods for national-team fixtures. The system was created as international football schedules became increasingly crowded and was first used in connection with qualification for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Major international tournaments can also fall within FIFA windows, although they may take place outside the Premier League season. The league noted that clubs were required to release players for the Africa Cup of Nations when the tournament was held between December and January last season, despite domestic league matches continuing.

While discussions have continued over reducing the number of international breaks, the existing system is expected to remain in place until at least 2030.

The Premier League has also confirmed that matches will not be scheduled for Monday night immediately before an international break or Friday night immediately after one.