Europeans criticise the international-break system

Europeans have voiced their displeasure with FIFA over the international-break system. Officials from European football federations have strongly criticised the new format, which requires national teams to play four consecutive matches. They described it as a “disaster” on the sidelines of a closed-door meeting in Berlin.

The past three weeks have also been poorly received by clubs competing in the Champions League, Niko Kovač said. The Borussia Dortmund coach pointed to the difficulties of having injured players return, as well as teams losing their rhythm. “European teams are not only facing the problem of some injured players returning, but also a complete loss of rhythm for a week or a week and a half, which has a negative effect on the competition’s momentum,” he said.

The criticism highlights how the national-team calendar can affect clubs and the rhythm of competition. European officials are challenging a format they see as concentrating too many international fixtures within a single break.