It is now confirmed the teams plying their trade in the top tier will take a two-week break, while action in the English Premier League will continue.
After years of deadlock on the issue, the Football Association, FA, and the leagues have finally found a compromise that should give players more rest without upsetting the broadcasters and sponsors too much.
To make room for the two-week break, the FA Cup’s fifth-round ties will be played midweek and will be settled on the night.
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Meanwhile, a round of English Premier League fixtures will be played over two weekends, with five games one weekend and five the next.
The EFL have supported the move but have confirmed they will not take part in the break.
In a statement, EFL chief executive Shaun Harvey said: “It is currently impractical even if it was desirable for the EFL” to take part in the mid-season break because of the scheduling challenges of playing 46-game seasons and play-offs.
