Newcastle United injury crisis inspires major Premier League rule change for 2024-25 season

The Premier League have scrapped its mid-season break from next season - giving clubs an extra week off ahead of the new campaign instead.

After years of deliberation, English football introduced a winter break in 2018. Unlike other leagues, half the clubs pause their schedule, with the rest doing the same a week later to avoid no fixtures altogether.

The FA called the announcement a “significant moment” in English football and a move that would benefit the national team. However, six years on, the proposal has been scrapped amid growing injury concerns.

Several clubs - including Newcastle United - have endured an unprecedented number of setbacks this season. The Magpies have lost over 1,500 days due to injury - more than any other Premier League team.

Brentford have also launched an internal investigation due to their woes on the treatment table. The fresh plans come as part of a wider announcement, which includes scrapping FA Cup replays and further investment into grassroots football.

A Premier League statement confirmed that the 2024-25 season will start a week later to accommodate the extra summer lay-off. It read: “The mid-season break is removed from the calendar to allow a mid-August start date for the Premier League.

“This longer summer break allows all Premier League clubs to be better able to ensure that players get a consecutive three-week break in the summer. This takes into account expert advice from medical and technical departments, which values a longer period of complete rest in the summer rather than a short break in the winter.”