FIFA are reportedly planning to shakeup the footballing calendar by altering when the international breaks take place next season

FIFA have confirmed changes to the footballing schedule which are likely to impact both Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday campaigns next season.

In a key shakeup which is likely to divide opinion, it’s been reported by Mail Sport that the international break in 2027 has been shifted to encompass Good Friday and Easter Monday.

As a result both the top flight, which usually stages one round of fixtures, and the second-tier, which ordinarily has two sets of matches, will not feature in next season’s footballing calendar.

Mail Sport understands domestic leagues were not consulted by FIFA, who set the calendar among increasing fixture pressures.

This change is almost certain to impact Sheffield United, who boast a series of international players in their ranks, including Tom Cannon and Tahith Chong among others.

Wednesday are less likely to be impacted after their relegation to League One was confirmed last month after their 2-1 defeat away to rivals Sheffield United. However, the Owls’ fixture list could potentially be impacted next term depending on how their squad is shaping up amid speculation regarding a potential takeover.

EFL rules allow clubs to postpone fixtures should they receive a sufficient number of call-ups. At least three of players have to be selected for their country's senior, under-21, under-20 or under-19 sides in order to request a postponement. However, non senior internationals only qualify for this if they started at least 25% of their club's matches or featured in a club’s previous five first team games.

A team is also allowed to request a postponement if both the first and second choice goalkeepers are called up too.

Elsewhere, a merged international break will see the Premier League and Championship pause following September 19 and then not restart until October 10, leading to a three-week break in the schedule.

Sheffield Wednesday travel to Stoke City on Good Friday (3 April) before hosting Leicester City on Monday 6 April.

Meanwhile, Sheffield United host Swansea City on the same Friday before travelling to face play-off hopefuls Bristol City the following Monday.