New FIFA International Break Format Sparks Anger Across Europe

Anger Over The New Calendar

European football federations have complained to UEFA about the new four game block of international matches. Multiple officials spoke anonymously at a closed doors meeting in Berlin on Thursday, with one calling the long break a disaster.

The new 16 day block combined the separate two game breaks that used to happen in September and October. It created major problems. Injured stars like Kylian Mbappé missed too many matches, and Erling Haaland had to ask to be substituted during Norway's fourth game.

Smaller countries struggled with stretched resources, while fans and sponsors faced extra demands on their time and money. Only Azerbaijan, out of UEFA's 55 member federations, spoke out to defend FIFA's calendar.

Clubs and Coaches React

European clubs originally wanted fewer and longer breaks to cut down on travel, but the reality has frustrated managers. Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovač expressed his frustration with the loss of momentum. He said teams now have to deal with injured players and go over two weeks without playing. "We're all starting from scratch now, in a sense," Kovač said.

Norway coach Stale Solbakken also warned about the physical toll on elite players. He noted that the schedule is brutal for those playing in the Champions League with very little vacation time.

Despite the complaints, the four game block is locked into the FIFA calendar through 2030. Next year, these blocks will be used for the 2028 European Championship qualifying games. National teams will meet again starting November 9 to finish the Nations League group phase.

What it means for the next game

Borussia Dortmund vs Werder Bremen (Bundesliga, Fri, 09 Oct): Borussia Dortmund win 69%, draw 18%, Werder Bremen win 13%; expected goals 2.42 to 0.96. Our safest pick: Borussia Dortmund to win.

Bodo/Glimt vs Borussia Dortmund (Champions League, Wed, 14 Oct): Bodo/Glimt win 40%, draw 24%, Borussia Dortmund win 36%; expected goals 1.73 to 1.65. Our safest pick: Over 1.5 goals.