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 football calendar! Daily Mail Sport has uncovered a bombshell revelation: there will be no Premier League or Championship football over the Easter weekend next season. Yes, you read that right! This tradition-defying move is set to spark debate and leave fans scratching their heads.
Sources have revealed that FIFA's international break will next year overlap with Good Friday and Easter Monday, causing a major shake-up in the football schedule. As a result, both the Premier League and Championship, which typically have matches on these dates, will be off the pitch, along with other EFL games. This means that the beautiful game will take a backseat during what is usually a festive and exciting time for fans.
This season, the international break starts after the weekend of March 21 and 22, but next year, it will extend to include Good Friday (March 26) and Easter Monday (March 29). The FA Cup quarter-finals will resume on April 3, but the majority of international games are expected to take place on the Saturday and Tuesday.
According to insiders, FIFA made this decision without consulting domestic leagues, which are already under increasing fixture pressures. This move has sparked controversy, as it goes against the long-standing tradition of playing football over the Easter weekend. The first Easter Saturday match was played in 1889, and top-flight matches on Easter Monday have been a staple for over a century.
This season, the FA Cup quarter-finals were scheduled over the Easter weekend, with two full programmes of Championship fixtures also in the mix. But next year, it's all changing. Premier League clubs have played once rather than twice over the weekend since 2012, and EFL clubs typically play twice. However, this new calendar could disrupt the usual rhythm of the game.
It's not all bad news, though! The EFL season will start with the first round of the Carabao Cup on August 8, and league games will kick off on August 15. The Premier League will begin on August 22, and Boxing Day will fall on a Saturday, ensuring a normal weekend round of fixtures. So, while Easter may be quiet, the rest of the season promises to be action-packed!
What do you think, readers? Are you surprised by this decision, or do you think it's a necessary change? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below! And don't forget to stay tuned for more sports news and updates.
