Sir Alex Ferguson's idea of a winter break and extending the end of the season has been shot down by FIFA. The Manchester United manager wants to stagger one round of 10 matches throughout January. He said: "Last season the league finished on May 11. Why can't we extend it until the end of that month and take two weeks off in January ?".
That is not possible because before World Cup finals FIFA insist on an early end to domestic seasons.
That means the English season finishing on May 16 at the end of 2009/10. A FIFA spokesman said: 'It was agreed by the executive committee that to help the well-being of the players, the last club matches will be disputed on May 16 of 2010 and after that, there will be an obligatory rest period from May 17 to May 23. The final of the Champions League - set for May 22 - constitutes the only exception to the rule."
A Premier League source said that any change in the domestic calendar would have to be on a permanent basis and not three years out of four. So it would seem Fergie's dream of a mid winter break have been scuppered by FIFA. Not surprising really, when do FIFA or UEFA ever listen to reason ? .....Back To Home Page
