England

Richard Scudamore: 'Premier League discussing introducing winter break'

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 26 July 2016

Premier League executive chairman Richard Scudamore confirms that talks are underway regarding the possibility of a winter break during the season.

Premier League executive chairman Richard Scudamore has confirmed that talks are taking place about the possibility of introducing a winter break in the domestic season.

A handful of leagues, such as in Spain and Germany, give players a break over the festive period, while in England, Christmas and New Year are the busiest times of the football calendar.

On his first day as the new England manager, Sam Allardyce reiterated his stance on introducing a winter break as he believes that it will benefit the players ahead of major tournaments.

When asked about the issue during an interview with Sky Sports News, Scudamore said: "We are not against a winter break, we are on record as saying we are in discussions with the people we need to be in discussions with - the FA and the Football League.

"Those discussions are taking place. I don't know how close or near or far we are because I wouldn't want to compromise those negotiations or discussions. There is a willingness to make it happen but I can't put anything like a timescale on when it might be."

In the Premier League, teams play three games in eight days after Christmas.