Barcelona winger, Raphinha, has voiced his frustration over the demanding football calendar, lamenting that players are being compelled to sacrifice their well-earned vacations to participate in the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
The tournament, which kicked off on June 14 and is set to run until July 13, marks the first expanded edition of the Club World Cup.
It follows a congested run of fixtures, coming right after the conclusion of the European season in late May and an international break at the start of June.
Although Barcelona did not qualify for the tournament due to underwhelming performances in their recent Champions League campaign, Raphinha has shown sympathy for players involved, especially those who have been on a relentless run without proper rest.
“Speaking particularly as someone who plays for a European team, we would (currently) be on vacation,” Raphinha stated.
He cited the example of his fellow Brazilians at Paris Saint-Germain, “Marquinhos and Beraldo, from Paris Saint-Germain, won the Champions League and didn’t even get to celebrate properly. They came to the national team and then went to the Club World Cup. They still haven’t stopped.”
The Brazilian winger emphasized that while some may dismiss such complaints, the issue is more serious than it appears.
“Many say that this is an excuse. It may or may not be, but having to give up our vacations out of obligation is very complicated. It’s our right. Everyone deserves at least a month of vacation. And many of them won’t get it.”
Raphinha also pointed to the unrelenting nature of the calendar, warning that the pressure doesn’t ease.
“If PSG reach the Club World Cup final, they will have the Super Cup right away. It doesn’t stop,” he added.
He concluded with a sharp critique of the decision-making process behind the new tournament’s scheduling.
“It depends on your point of view. From my point of view, it’s very bad to give up your vacation to play something that you are forced to do. At no point did they ask the players if they wanted to.
“It (should be) up to us to accept it. Having to give up your vacation to play in a new tournament is very complicated.”