Birmingham City’s season has temporarily halted for the first international break of the season
FIFA have made changes to their international programme that will come into force in 2026/27
International breaks can be a pain for managers trying to get their teams into a rhythm at the start of the season.
Birmingham City boss Chris Davies embraced it last season and felt that his team benefitted from four two-week breaks, even if it meant that they had a pile up of fixtures at the end of the campaign.
International breaks aren’t par for the course in League One, but they are in the Championship and Premier League – where Blues hope to be in the near future.
The September international window comes around too quickly for some and further international breaks in October and November break up the domestic season.
FIFA have adapted the plan moving forward meaning there will only be three international windows per season after the World Cup next year.
The governing body have decided to combine the September and October international windows to make one extended period where international football takes priority over club football.
This will be the last time players join up with their countries at the beginning of September with the new measures coming into force next year.
A longer, 16-day international window will run from September 21 to October 6 next year that allows for up to four fixtures for each nation.
That will be followed by the usual nine-day, two-match windows in November and March to ensure that countries play the same number of matches whilst minimising the disruption to club football.
Are you happy with the changes? Let us know HEREGet the latest Blues headlines sent straight to your phone
BirminghamLive has its very own Birmingham City WhatsApp community to deliver the latest headlines straight to your phone. Just click this link to receive daily Blues content and breaking news. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. Click on the name at the top of your screen while in WhatsApp and click ‘Exit Group’. Read our Privacy Notice.