Feature: Winter wonderland?

They agreed to a two-year experiment for a 13-day break in January provided a balanced fixture schedule and the practicalities can be arranged.

If it goes ahead, the break would start next season and continue in 2005/06 before being reviewed.

England is one of the few European countries not to have a break although Scotland recently scrapped theirs.

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore said the chairmen, who voted unanimously, were convinced by the persuasion of England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.

We have to work to see what would have to give to make it happen Richard Scudamore

"It was a compelling case that was put forward with benefits to all clubs, so they were happy to agree in principle," Scudamore told BBC Radio Five Live.

"Sven thinks players should have an absolute break for seven days and then have six days back in training. He thinks that is enough."

Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor is also in favour of change.

"In general it's a move that will be welcomed by managers, particularly by the England manager," Taylor told Radio Five Live.

"The batteries run down on the very best players as there is big demand on players so it will be good both physically and mentally.

"The players will also welcome it. There will be those at the top [of the Premiership] worried by a change in the pattern, but those at the bottom will be glad of the break."

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Taylor also predicted that Football League clubs would benefit as fans turn to the lower leagues to catch their fix of live football during the break.

The proposal means only one weekend of matches would be lost to the fixture schedule.

Scudamore explained that it was "early days" in terms of introducing the measure but that "it is further than this debate has ever gone before."

He added: "Now we have to work with our colleagues at the Football League and the Football Association to see what is practical and what would have to give to make it happen."

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is among those who has voiced his support for a break during January, rather than over the Christmas period.