With the transfer season around the corner, it is important to note that most leagues in Europe are on their Winter break. That means no games for 2-4 weeks across Russia, France, Spain, Germany, Portugal, Italy, etc.

The English Premier League has a packed schedule throughout the Christmas and New Year holiday season. Some teams play 10-12 games in less than 35 days, from December to early January.  

So Why Doesn’t The Premier League Have A Winter Break?

The Premier League doesn’t have a winter break for the following reasons:

• Boxing day

Boxing day is celebrated as a cultural holiday in the United Kingdom. The Premier League generally matches up rivals and derbies during this period of back to back football. Most football fans are already on holiday or traveling. Thus, it is easier for fans to watch games during the holiday season.

• Tv Rights

The English Premier League is the highest watched and top-earning league in the world. Tv rights, sponsorships and commercial rights have been essential in determining the fate of the PL. During the winter break, fans from all over the world can still watch football in the PL. This converts to clubs earning additional revenue from Tv rights and advertisers.

• Too many games

The PL has 20 teams in the division. This means each team plays 38 games (19 teams home and away) over the course of a season. Add the Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup matches to that list. For example, the Bundesliga has 18 teams and thus, lesser games.

Result

There are pros and cons to having too many games during the festive season. The individual form of several players will be affected by injuries and strains. Clubs with smaller squads or excessive injuries will be unable to cope with the tedious schedule. With the World Cup 2018 (Russia) coming up in a few months, the extra game time may help players forms (Kane, Sterling, etc.). Although, there is also the chance of injury.