EPL clubs to be banned from organising lucrative mid-season friendlies

Premier League clubs will this week be told that they cannot organise lucrative friendlies during next year's mid-season player break.

From the 2019-20 season each club will have a week off over a break split over two weeks, with 10 teams sitting out the first weekend and 10 the following weekend.

The move has been brought in to give players much-needed rest following the traditionally hectic Christmas and New Year period. And at this week's shareholders' meeting, clubs will be informed of the proposed criteria surrounding the break – with friendlies off the menu.

Clubs will be permitted to hold training sessions, including open sessions at which the public may be invited. They will also be allowed to arrange behind closed doors matches which are not televised or open to the public.

Players and staff will also be allowed to carry out promotional work. Officials say that the break will allow clubs to plan activities such as warm weather training camps in advance.

They add that it will reflect the breaks enjoyed by players in the four other major European leagues and allow them to prepare for end of season competitions and international tournaments. However, money-spinning trips to the likes of the Middle East will not be permitted.

At Friday's shareholders' meeting they will remind clubs of the existing Premier League and FA rules around arranging friendlies during the season.

Last year, Premier League chief Richard Scudamore said that clubs would not be allowed to exploit the break by arranging lucrative fixtures. 'There will be conditions around what they can do,' he said.