Football League Faces Match Postponements Amid International Call-Ups
New rules aimed at reducing fixture cancellations due to international breaks have inadvertently led to more postponements this season.
The English Football League (EFL) is experiencing a significant number of match postponements due to international call-ups, with the new criteria implemented this season failing to curb the trend. League One has been particularly affected, with 16 of its upcoming 24 fixtures rescheduled. Five League Two games are also postponed over the next two weekends.
These postponements occur despite the introduction of stricter rules designed to minimize disruptions during international breaks. Under the new criteria, clubs can apply for a postponement if they have at least three players called up for senior, Under-21, Under-20, or Under-19 national teams. However, these players must have met specific appearance thresholds: playing in 50% of league games or four of the last five first-team matches. A separate protocol allows for postponements if both the first and second-choice goalkeepers are unavailable due to international duty.
Last season's rules were less stringent, with the same player number limit but qualification based on starting in 25% of league games or three of the last five first-team matches, and these criteria applied only to U21, U20, and U19 call-ups, not senior internationals.
The current situation has led to more games being called off at this point in the season compared to the previous year. For instance, the League Two match between Port Vale and Northampton, ranked 90th and 91st respectively, is among those affected. League One leaders Bradford City will play on despite having two goalkeepers on international duty, as their deputy goalkeeper remains available. However, their home game against Barnsley has been postponed due to Barnsley's multiple international call-ups.
Despite the disruptions, some clubs are choosing to play on. Reading manager Leam Richardson stated his team's decision to proceed with their match despite three international call-ups, emphasizing confidence in the available squad and the benefit of avoiding an additional fixture in an already congested schedule. He also noted the advantage for supporters who prefer Saturday afternoon games.
Financial considerations also play a role, with clubs often preferring the higher attendance and revenue from Saturday afternoon fixtures over midweek rearrangements. However, managers face pressure to win and may be reluctant to field weakened teams, potentially influencing selection and substitution decisions with the qualification rules in mind.
The increase in postponements is attributed to several factors, including the extended international break now covering two weekends, a rise in lower-league players seeking international opportunities through ancestral links, and the presence of former Premier League clubs like Leicester City and Sheffield Wednesday in League One, which can attract more talented young players on loan.
In contrast, during last year's September international break, eight out of 12 League One fixtures and all 12 League Two games went ahead. In the October break last year, seven out of 12 League One games were played, with only one League Two match postponed.