European FAs push to scrap the three-week international break

European FAs are pushing for the three-week international break to be abandoned. They intend to ask Uefa to return to the previous calendar, after the new period left European countries with four Nations League matches, typically played within 11 days.

Concerns centre on player workload, injuries and financial viability. One FA president called the new schedule « a disaster », while others consider it unworkable. Many instead favour the format that preceded this season, with five two-week breaks.

Those attending Thursday’s Berlin gathering of European FAs were understood to have opposed the break almost unanimously. The subject is understood to have prompted several passionate interventions, reflecting the strength of the reservations voiced.

A different FA chief offered a counterpoint: his federation will assess the merits of the extended break, including the extra time it gives the national team manager to work with players. That view contrasts with the scheduling and financial concerns driving most FAs to seek a return to the previous arrangement.