When does 2022/23 EFL season start for Bristol City and Bristol Rovers?
The Football League have issued to clubs the dates in which the season will start, finish, as well as the Play-Off final dates.
The 2021/22 season is in full swing but the EFL have revealed the start date for the 2022/23 campaign and it’s earlier than usual.
As a result of the 2022 World Cup being played in December, the footballing calendar has to be altered to accommodate for the tournament.
The tournament, which is being played in Qatar, could not host a tournament in the summer due to the high temperatures.
International football’s biggest tournament will begin on 21 November and finish a week before Christmas on 18 December.
When does Bristol City’s season start and finish?
Should Bristol City be playing in the Championship next season, then their season will now begin more than a week earlier on 30 July 2022.
Similar to other international breaks, the Championship will take a break whilst it is ongoing but will return on 10 December, which is eight days before the final.
It means that should any players be called up and still be involved in the tournament, they would be without them.
For the players called up to their teams who have qualified, it could also be a tussle between club and country, there will need to be a rest period for those involved.
Despite that break, the Robins will finish their regular season at the same time as the Gas in early May 2023.
If City mount a promotion push then the play-off final weekend for the EFL is between 27 to 29 May 2023.
When will Bristol Rovers season start and finish?
Bristol Rovers, whether they earn a promotion or remain in League Two, will start at the same time but play through the World Cup.
It could mean supporting England in the morning at an early kick-off time of 10:00 before an away trip across the country to support the Gas.
Their season is due to conclude on 6 May, but again, if they are involved in a promotion race, whatever division they are in, they could play at Wembley Weekend which is scheduled from 27 to 29 May.
The Papa John’s Trophy is due to start on 29 August 2022 and will finish on 19 March 2023.