European football federations criticise extended FIFA international window over player workload

Erling Haaland requested a substitution during his team’s fourth international match as concerns grew over length of the international window. | Photo Credit: AFP

European football federations have expressed dissatisfaction with FIFA’s revised international calendar after the newly introduced four-match window raised concerns over player fatigue, injuries and the demands placed on national teams.

Officials from several associations criticised the 16-day September-October international break during a closed-door UEFA meeting in Berlin on Thursday, with one describing the arrangement as a “disaster”, according to the Associated Press.

The extended window, which replaced two separate two-match breaks, has faced scrutiny following injuries to players including Kylian Mbappe and concerns over the workload of Norway striker Erling Haaland.

Haaland requested to be substituted during Norway’s fourth match, a defeat to Portugal, prompting coach Stale Solbakken to highlight the physical strain on players returning from a demanding World Cup campaign.

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UEFA is expected to gather feedback from its member associations before considering whether to raise the issue with FIFA, which oversees the international match calendar.

However, the four-match arrangement is already scheduled to remain in place until 2030.

European clubs had previously supported fewer but longer international breaks to minimise disruptions to domestic competitions and reduce long-distance travel.

Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac, however, argued that the extended absence of international players disrupted his team’s momentum and complicated preparations for subsequent fixtures.

Smaller national associations also raised concerns over increased operational demands, while supporters and sponsors faced additional financial and logistical pressures.

According to officials present at the meeting, Azerbaijan was the only federation among UEFA’s 55 members to openly defend FIFA’s calendar arrangements.

The scheduling concerns have intensified following the expanded 48-team World Cup, which concluded in July, leaving several players with limited recovery time.

European national teams will next assemble on November 9 for two fixtures completing the Nations League group stage.