In a significant development for Scottish football, the SPFL has announced the elimination of the winter break starting from the 2024/25 season.
This adjustment is part of a broader strategy to accommodate the expanded format of European competitions, which will now see the group stages extend through to the end of January.
The forthcoming season marks a pivotal shift in the UEFA club competition calendar, with an increase from six to ten matchdays during the league phase. This expansion necessitates a reevaluation of the domestic schedule to ensure Scottish clubs can fulfill their European commitments without compromising the integrity of the national leagues.
The Premiership, along with the Championship, League 1, and League 2, is set to commence on the first weekend of August, culminating in May for the Premiership and slightly earlier for the lower divisions to facilitate the playoffs. The adjustment signifies a departure from the traditional mid-season hiatus, underscoring the growing demands of the international football calendar on domestic leagues.
The absence of the winter break is expected to test the resilience of clubs and players, presenting a continuous competitive run through the winter months. This change is reflective of the SPFL’s commitment to aligning with the broader European football landscape, despite the challenges posed to the domestic scheduling and traditional fixtures.
Additionally, the Viaplay Cup’s group stage will commence in mid-July, with the quarter-finals slated for weekend fixtures to accommodate the congested schedule in the latter half of the year. Dates for the SPFL Trust Trophy will be announced in due course, with the full league season fixtures expected to be released by the end of June, offering clubs and fans clarity on the road ahead in these evolving times for Scottish football.
In previous years Celtic have utilised the winter break to reintegrate their players. Rodgers had taken the squad to Dubai on three occasions during his first spell in charge. The manager opted not to do it this year but instead allow the players personal time off. There will be no room for that luxury next season.
SEASON 2024/25 – KEY DATES
PREMIERSHIP
Fixture round 1
Weekend of August 3/4, 2024
Fixture round 33
Weekend of April 12/13, 2025
Fixture round 38
Weekend of May 17/18, 2025
Premiership play-off final
Thursday May 22 & Sunday May 25, 2025
CHAMPIONSHIP
Fixture round 1
Weekend of August 2/3, 2024
Fixture round 36
Friday May 2, 2025
LEAGUE 1 & LEAGUE 2
Fixture round 1
Saturday August 3, 2024
Fixture round 36
Saturday May 3, 2025
VIAPLAY CUP
Group stage
MD1: Weekend of July 13/14, 2024
MD2: Midweek of July 16/17, 2024
MD3: Weekend of July 20/21, 2024
MD4: Midweek of July 23/24, 2024
MD5: Weekend of July 27/28, 2024
Second round
Weekend of August 17/18, 2024
Quarter-finals
Weekend of September 21/22, 2024
Semi-finals
Weekend of November 2/3, 2024
Final
Sunday December 15, 2024
