The Premier League is set to move into line with Europe's other top leagues by instituting a winter break.
Martin Ziegler reports in The Times that a 13-day break will be put in place from next season.
The break, which will take place in early February before the return of Champions League and Europa League fixtures, will be staggered meaning there will not be a weekend without Premier League game.
Five games will be played on one weekend and five on the next, ensuring a total of 13 days with matches for each team.
The move has been facilitated by the shifting of the fifth round of the FA Cup. This year, it was played on the weekend of February 17th and 18th. From next season, it will be played mid-week without replays.
One of the main motivations behind the decision is the benefit it could have for the English national team. Long has other European countries employing a winter break and England not been cited as a factor in their failure to perform at major tournaments.
The break will not apply to the lower rungs of English football. The Championship, League One and League Two will continue with the current fixture schedule.
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