Wednesday 30 May 2018 13:14, UK
The Football Association is expected to confirm details of a Premier League winter break, starting in the 2019-2020 season, in the next fortnight, Sky Sports News understands.
The news comes after FA chief executive Martin Glenn confirmed to FA councillors for the first time that a two-week break was to be implemented.
The agreement with the Premier League, which is likely to be signed off next week, will mark the end of more than a decade of debate over giving top players recuperation time after the busy Christmas schedule.
In return for the boost to the national team, the FA has agreed to stage the fifth round of the FA Cup in midweek.
Glenn told councillors: "We're working closer and more collaboratively with the professional game than at any time in recent years.
"Very soon this will pay dividends with the creation of a mid-season break, which is a much-needed improvement for our clubs and England teams."
The break for Premier League teams will be staggered over two weekends, with 10 teams playing one weekend and the other 10 the next weekend, allowing every club a two-week break from competition.
Sky Sports News understands that while no formal regulations will be put in place, clubs have agreed not to use the break as an opportunity for money-making tours abroad.
Teams will, however, be allowed to travel abroad for warm weather training.
