The AFL will not shorten the half time break for matches in 2020, it has been announced today.

According to 7NEWS reporter Tom Browne, the AFL has decided to stick with the current 20-minute break rather than the proposed shortened 10 or 15 minutes.

“The AFL will not change half time this season,” Browne said.

“They touted 10 minutes extensively to broadcasters and the clubs.

“They received feedback from parties including the fans, they don’t want any rule changes this year the AFL.”

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AFL WANT TO SLASH HALF-TIME BREAK

The initial idea to slash the half-time break to 10 minutes was first announced in November, but was faced with a wall of criticism.

In December, the AFL then sought feedback on an amended 15-minute break.

At the time, some coaches and players publicly supported the proposal, with Geelong captain Joel Selwood telling NewsCorp the shorter break would leave less time for players to get cold.

“I'm OK with it,” Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin said.

“If you look around the world in terms of the game, our game is incredibly long.

“If we can find ways to reduce the length of the game for our spectators and the people involved in the game, I think it's a good thing. Ten less minutes for me is not going to affect the way we coach.”

But fans were outraged a shortened break would mean less time to buy food and drink or have a toilet break.