'It's A Shame': Laporta Slams FIFA Calendar After Raphinha Setback

Barcelona, April 2 (IANS) – Barcelona president Joan Laporta has launched a scathing attack on FIFA, criticising the governing body for what he calls a congested and poorly planned international calendar. The outburst follows a fresh injury setback to Brazilian winger Raphinha, an absence Laporta attributes directly to the demanding schedule imposed on players by global competitions.

Speaking to reporters at the club’s offices, Laporta did not hide his frustration. “It’s a shame,” he said, emphasising that the current calendar fails to prioritise player welfare and places unsustainable physical demands on footballers. The Barcelona chief argued that the relentless run of fixtures leaves little time for recovery, increasing the risk of injuries that ultimately hurt both clubs and national teams.

While Laporta stopped short of calling for an immediate overhaul, his remarks add to a growing chorus of European clubs urging FIFA to reassess the timing and frequency of international windows. Barcelona now face the prospect of navigating crucial upcoming matches without one of their key attackers, a scenario the president believes could have been mitigated through a more balanced calendar.

The club has yet to specify the exact nature or expected duration of Raphinha’s lay-off, but sources within the medical staff confirmed the injury was sustained while on international duty. Laporta’s comments are likely to resonate across the continent, where elite clubs have repeatedly voiced concern over the physical toll exacted by overlapping club and country commitments.

As the debate over football’s congested calendar intensifies, Laporta’s stance underscores a widening rift between club and country interests, with player health caught squarely in the middle.