Netherlands’ Denzel Dumfries and Spain’s Xavi Hernandez have been among those to complain about the new FIFA international break. Xavi and Denzel Dumfries have slammed FIFA’s international window, saying it is putting too much strain on players to play four matches during the new extended international break.
This international window, which is from September 24 until October 6, features national teams playing a maximum of four games in an attempt to cut down on international breaks during the season.
Prior to the game, which is being staged at the stadium of Jong Ajax, on Sunday Dumfries said he would opt for the old format, which typically consisted of two games.
“I don’t like the international break the way it is now because you are gone from the club for a long time,” the winger told Ziggo Sport.
“Well, I prefer to keep the schedule for two matches. But what can we do when the real schedule is like that.”
He also demanded reinforcement, citing the pressure on players and the many injuries suffered by the national teams.
“We have to look after the players but there’s just so much on the calendar,” he said.
“Very many injuries in the national teams. Difficult times.”
Fixtures should be reduced to smaller windows, with two or three instead of four games in a row with travelling, believes Xavi.
