The announcement follows a recent survey of clubs.
There was a majority of clubs in each division, as well as an overall majority, in favour of an earlier start.
The League advise that this decision will not only spread the burden of the opening sequence of fixtures but it will also facilitate moving the first round of the Capital One Cup from the midweek of the friendly internationals (including England v Scotland).
Therefore to clarify:
• The Football League season will start Saturday 3 August, 2013.
• The Premier League will start Saturday 17 August, 2013.