FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has spoken out against the congested fixture calendar after Raphinha picked up an injury on international duty
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has criticised world football governing body FIFA after winger Raphinha broke down with a hamstring injury while on international duty with Brazil.
The 29-year-old attacker was replaced at half-time during the 2-1 loss against France at the Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts and missed the subsequent game against Croatia. It has now been revealed that he has suffered a hamstring injury that is expected to keep him out of action for at least a month.
Laporta blames FIFA calendar
Blaugrana president Joan Laporta was quick to lay the blame at the door of FIFA, complaining about the increased number of international games that have led to a congested calendar and place increased demands on players.
“Raphinha’s injury is a shame. We must ask FIFA to draw up an international calendar that takes into account the competitions in which the major clubs are involved,” Laporta told Món Esport.
“It’s a friendly match, and one of our best players suffers an injury. Of course it’s annoying. You can’t blame the players, they are professionals and they give their all for their country.
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“The problem is the crowded schedule, in the time of the season where we are playing for everything. It’s infuriating!”
Compensation from FIFA
While the question of the international calendar is part of a wider debate that should be had, and not just when it suits certain clubs to complain about it, in the short-term, FIFA does have mechanisms to offer clubs compensation for these situations.
Reports have suggested that the Catalan club do intend to submit a formal complaint to FIFA as they are particularly enraged that Raphinha had to travel to the USA for a friendly. Under FIFA’s Club Protection Programme, as the player will be out for over a month, they could be due around 140,000 euros in compensation.
Bad timing for Barcelona
This news has come at a terrible time for Barcelona ahead of a crucial period in the season with the team competing in LaLiga and the Champions League. Raphinha will now miss a host of fixtures, including all three games against Atlético Madrid in the next two weeks.
Raphina’s return is slated for some time in May, but Barcelona have six games in April alone. An optimistic return target might be the game against Real Madrid on May 10, but whether or not he would be fully fit for such a big game remains to be seen.
If he doesn’t make that game, he could potentially only be available for three more games this season. That depends, of course, on Barcelona’s progression in the Champions League, as victory over Atleti in the upcoming tie would see them advance to the semi-finals.