There will be a winter break and bonus points in Scottish football next season

Bonus points and a winter break are the major changes coming for Scottish football starting next season.

For the first time in over a decade, there will be a winter break as Scottish officials look for a way to avoid fixture congestion. The winter break will last for two weeks - but it is not the only big change coming, as the Scottish League Cup will be entirely revamped. A group stage will be introduced for all teams who have not qualified for European football, with the winners of the Highland and Lowland Leagues also gaining qualification. Any group game that is tied at the end of 90 minutes will finish with a penalty shoot-out, and the winner of the shoot-out will claim a bonus point in addition to their one matchday point from the draw. The eight groups will be made up of five teams each, with all eight group winners and four best runners-up progressing to the second round alongside the four teams playing European football. The new-look competition will start in July as supporters call for more football during the summer months.