EFL chief Shaun Harvey rules out winter break

[Joe Jones]

From BBC Sport (link to full story):

The German Bundesliga, Spain's La Liga, Italy's Serie A and France Ligue 1 are some of the leagues in Europe to have a winter break in their schedules, and the Premier League is also considering introducing one when the next television rights deal is agreed.

In a statement, the Premier League said it had been "in discussions" with the EFL and the FA, but, due to the intense calendar of the EFL, Shaun Harvey says it is not feasible for a winter break to be rolled out below the top flight.

"We have been involved in the discussions to start with. The EFL won't observe a winter break," said Harvey. "We have a 46-game season. We need as many Saturday 3pm kick-offs as possible.

"The reality is if it is about giving the England internationals a break at the Premier League clubs, we can carry on without negatively impacting on that objective."

Is Harvey right to pour cold water on the prospect of a winter break for the EFL, or is it a shame?

[Chris]

I'm not bothered either way, if it happens I would accept it and if it doesn't - well there's no harm.

I just can't stand them making a big thing out of what appears to be nothing. One minute it's likely to happen, next it's not, then it's being revaluated and it's just a complete joke.

[Piethagoram]

For the EFL, it's all about cashflow... clubs would struggle with a winter break without incoming revenues for games

[Chris]

38 minutes ago, Piethagoram said:

For the EFL, it's all about cashflow... clubs would struggle with a winter break without incoming revenues for games

This is a very valid point.

The Premier League wouldn't have any issues, yet clubs in financial worries and within League Two would most likely struggle. Something I didn't actually think about but it depends on if the FL can ease this burden.

[liampie]

why does it have to change anyway? its not broken so it dont need fixing.

only people like kn and ln would want this.

[upthepies]

I assumed that the players wanted the break?

You see it work in other sports but it all depends on how it works with football.