Rabat – Netherlands manager Xavi Hernandez has slammed FIFA’s crowded new match schedule, warning that playing four Nations League matches in 11 days puts players at greater risk of injury.
FIFA merged its September and October international breaks into a single, longer window this year. Instead of playing two games in each month, national teams now face four matches during one extended break.
The Dutch manager criticized the format after losing several key players during the four-game stretch.
“This schedule is not good. Not for the national teams and not for the clubs that release their players and sometimes see them return injured,” Xavi said during a press conference on Saturday, according to Reuters.
The Dutch squad has been hit by several injuries ahead of Sunday’s Group A2 match against Serbia in Eindhoven, leaving just 23 fit players available.
Brian Brobbey, Lutsharel Geertruida, Cody Gakpo, and Jan Paul van Hecke all picked up injuries during the team’s last three games and have returned to their respective clubs.
“Scheduling such a packed calendar three months after the World Cup is asking for trouble,” Xavi added.
“You also have training, travelling, recovering from matches and things like that. It’s very strange to schedule an international window like this at this stage of the season.”
Looking ahead, Xavi argued that returning to a two-game format would benefit everyone. However, he acknowledged that the match window is expected to return next year.
“I would rather see us play two internationals. That would be better for everyone. But as far as I know, it was decided a long time ago that we will also have a block of four matches at this stage next year,” he explained.
While the upcoming international breaks in November, March, and June will revert to the standard nine-day, two-game format, FIFA’s long-term calendar is set.
The governing body has officially locked in the expanded 16-day September/October window through 2030.
