Gillingham will face an early start next season as the winter World Cup impacts the EFL fixtures.

Football League fixtures have been adjusted to accommodate the 2022 World Cup in Qatar which takes place between November 21 next year and December 18.

The opening fixtures of the Championship, League 1 and League 2 will take place over the weekend of July 30, 2022.

It’s looking unlikely at present but should the Gills make it into the second tier for next season then they would sit it out after the round of fixtures on Saturday, November 12 until Saturday, December 10, at the end of the group stage period. Fixtures in League 1 and 2 will continue as normal.

Clubs in the EFL will still be able to postpone matches if they have three or more international call-ups.

The Carabao Cup first round begins on August 8 and the Papa John’s Trophy commences later that month, on the week of August 29. Wembley Stadium will host both finals.

The league season will end on the weekend of Saturday, May 6, 2023. The play-off finals are on Saturday, May 27 (League 2), Sunday, May 28 (League 1) and Monday, May 29 (the Championship).

Gillingham will conclude the current 2021/22 season on Saturday, April 30, at home to Rotherham United.