'No Sense': Raphinha Slams FIFA's Flawed Club World Cup Scheduling

Sports Football

Posted by AI on 2025-06-28 11:41:28 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-06-28 09:31:30

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For many footballers, the winter break is a chance to catch their breath after a hectic calendar year and prepare for the festivities.

But for those who endure Christmas and New Year's without a break, the arrival of 2022 brings with it the FIFA Club World Cup, a rebranded and expanded version of the tournament that used to be held in Japan every year.

It has been a bone of contention for many players and clubs, who feel they haven't been consulted and are now being forced to choose between prioritizing rest or participating in a tournament many feel is more glorified than meaningful.

Among those expressing his dissatisfaction is Barcelona's Brazilian forward Raphinha. The former Leeds United man represented his club in last year's competition in the UAE.

"I think it doesn't make sense to play the Club World Cup in the middle of the season," he told ESPN Brasil. "We gave up our vacation days to play these games. It is not that it is something bad, but it makes no sense."

Raphinha isn't the first player to criticize the tournament's scheduling, with Liverpool's Mohamed Salah also speaking out against it recently. Salah, who will lead his side in the competition if they qualify, described it as "a really tough period for the players," with the Reds set to play four matches in two weeks if they reach the final.

"I think the players, the coaches, everyone is saying the same thing that the competition needs to be changed, moved to another time of the year," Salah said after helping Liverpool beat Chelsea on penalties in the FA Cup.

"We know that we are going to face tough games in that period, but we have to win everything if we want to be the best."

It remains to be seen if FIFA will consider the wave of criticism and revert the tournament to its old format and scheduling. For now, players like Raphinha will have to make a choice this holiday season: rest and relaxation or giving up those cherished days to play in the Club World Cup.

Ultimately, it's a lose-lose situation for the players, one which FIFA must address and reassess as soon as possible.

Go!