United in outrage: Real Madrid and Barcelona lead backlash against FIFA's 3 week break

FIFA's decision to combine the September and October international breaks into an unprecedented three week window has sparked fierce criticism from Europe's elite managers and club officials, according to Spanish newspaper Sport.

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Laporta & Flick voice rhythm and injury concerns

The governing body’s calendar reform which halts domestic club competitions for nearly three weeks to stage four international matches per nation, has been met with immediate resistance in Catalonia.

Speaking at the club’s general assembly, FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta condemned the disruption, particularly after losing Raphinha to an injury sustained with Brazil during a friendly ahead of last season's Champions League quarter final against Atlético Madrid.

"This break makes no sense... Hansi told me that the other day. It is a break that includes four matches that harms us and breaks our rhythm. The calendar is too crowded and players are suffering and we will talk with UEFA & FIFA to resolve this matter" Laporta said.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, whose side has engineered a historic start to the campaign with eight victories from eight official matches, echoed those concerns ahead of facing Sevilla. While acknowledging his anxiety about releasing key players, Flick struck a diplomatic tone:

"Many players will be with national teams. Whenever players are away we are a bit worried but in the end, I also trust and believe in the national team coaches"

Mourinho laments extreme travel demands at Real Madrid

Across the Clásico divide, Real Madrid manager José Mourinho delivered an equally scathing assessment of the logistical burden placed on his squad. Speaking prior to the Madrid derby, the Portuguese tactician outlined the severe physical toll of intercontinental travel on his players.

"We can only adapt... In our case, imagine having only four players left for 20 days. Then one arrives one or three days before Villarreal, another two days before... Vini is coming from India with Brazil and Valverde is circling the globe from Korea and India. Meanwhile, the European players face four demanding fixtures because we are talking about the UEFA Nations League where everyone is at the same level" Mourinho stated.

De La Fuente & European managers divided

Opposition to the reform extends into the international dugout. Spain national team head coach Luis de la Fuente openly rejected the new framework after announcing his squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.

"I do not like it and I would have preferred the previous format... Between matches we have only two days of rest accompanied by travel. The previous system took better care of player health and that is as clear as day" De La Fuente stated.

Elsewhere in Europe, reactions have been more measured. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta highlighted the importance of communication:

"This is something we will have to experience. Different national teams and managers have taken distinct approaches regarding squad sizes, so good communication will be crucial"

Meanwhile, Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca adopted an ironic tone:

"My children have school, so I need to stay here. During breaks I always reviewed past matches and analysed what to improve. With three weeks, I have plenty of time to rewatch all the matches again"

At Paris Saint Germain, Luis Enrique accepted the reality of working with reduced numbers for individual drills while Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany emphasised injury prevention:

"We have the entire squad available and want it to stay that way. We hope the boys stay fit during the three week break"

A High-Stakes calendar gamble

FIFA's consolidation model was conceived to minimise frequent travel interruptions throughout autumn, trading two separate pauses for a single extended block.

However, compressing four high intensity competitive fixtures into a 20 day span intensifies the physical strain on elite footballers. When combined with long haul transcontinental flights for South American internationals, the format heightens the risk of soft tissue injuries and fatigue placing an unsustainable burden on squad depth just as European club competitions enter decisive stages.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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