The EFL has confirmed its dates for the 2022/23 season with the Championship set to have a winter break to accommodate the 2022 World Cup.
Just like the Premier League, the schedule of the second-tier of English football is set to be affected by the first ever Winter showpiece in Qatar. In addition, all three EFL divisions will be also starting earlier than ever. on the weekend of Saturday 30 July.
Although there is no World Cup break scheduled for League One and League Two the current rules on call-ups – whereby a club can postponed a game if three or more senior players are on international duty – will apply for the duration of the tournament.
When will the EFL season begin?
For the first time ever, EFL action gets underway - in the Championship, League One and League Two - on Saturday 30 July.
What did the EFL's statement say?
"The 2022 World Cup in Qatar takes place over a five-week period in November and December 2022, with the EFL Schedule adjusted to accommodate.
"Match round 16 in the Championship, set to take place on Saturday 12 November, will be the final round of fixtures played ahead of the call-up period for the tournament, which begins on Monday 14 November.
"The Championship will resume on 10 December 2022 following the culmination of the World Cup Group Stages, whilst League One and League Two fixtures will continue as normal. The existing international calls postponement criteria will be applied throughout, where necessary.
"The Carabao Cup will be getting underway week commencing 8 August, with the Papa John’s Trophy starting later that month, week commencing 29 August.
"The Finals of both competitions will be held at Wembley Stadium, on Sunday 26 February for the Carabao Cup and Sunday 19 March for the Papa John’s Trophy.
"The final day of the 2022/23 season in the Championship, League One and League Two will be across the weekend of Saturday 6 May 2023.
When are the EFL play-off finals?
The Sky Bet EFL play-off finals have been scheduled between the 27th and 29th May 2023.
The Championship will be up first on Saturday, followed by League One action on Sunday and League Two's finale on Bank Holiday Monday.
For more from Matt O’Connor-Simpson, follow him on Twitter!
Source : 90min