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Laporta Slams FIFA Calendar After Raphinha Injury in Brazil Friendly

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has sharply criticized FIFA's international match calendar after winger Raphinha suffered a hamstring injury while playing for Brazil in a friendly against France. Laporta called the injury "a shame" and "infuriating," blaming a congested schedule for risking club assets in non-competitive matches. The injury, with a five-week recovery, rules Raphinha out of crucial fixtures including the Champions League quarter-final against Atlético Madrid. His absence is a major blow as Barcelona leads a tight La Liga race with Real Madrid.

Key Points: Laporta Slams FIFA Schedule After Raphinha Injury

  • Raphinha injured on Brazil duty
  • Laporta blames FIFA calendar
  • 5-week recovery sidelines key player
  • Misses UCL quarters vs Atlético
  • Impacts tight La Liga title race
2 min read

'It's a shame': Laporta slams FIFA calendar after Raphinha setback

Barcelona president Joan Laporta criticizes FIFA's congested calendar after Raphinha's hamstring injury on Brazil duty sidelines him for key matches.

"It's a shame... The problem is the crowded schedule, at a time of the season when we are playing for everything. - Joan Laporta"

Barcelona, April 2

Spanish football giant Barcelona's president, Joan Laporta, has slammed FIFA over what he described as a congested and poorly planned international calendar after the team's prime player, Raphinha, suffered a hamstring injury while representing Brazil.

The injury occurred during an international friendly against France, leaving FC Barcelona without one of their most in-form attackers at a crucial stage of the season.

Laporta did not hold back in his criticism of the scheduling, pointing out that such injuries in non-competitive matches could have serious consequences for clubs competing for major honours, and FIFA must look out for the clubs before making the schedule.

"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 said.

"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. The problem is the crowded schedule, at a time of the season when we are playing for everything. It's infuriating," he added.

Barcelona's medical team has estimated a recovery period of around five weeks for the Brazilian winger, effectively ruling him out of several key fixtures across competitions.

Head coach Hansi Flick now faces a significant selection challenge, with Raphinha expected to miss both legs of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie against Atlético Madrid. In addition, he is also likely to sit out multiple high-stakes matches in La Liga, where Barcelona are locked in a tight title race with Real Madrid.

Raphinha has been a standout performer for Barcelona this season, emerging as a key figure in the team's attacking setup. His contributions in terms of goals and assists have played a vital role in the club's strong campaign domestically and in Europe.

FC Barcelona currently leads the La Liga standings with 73 points from 29 matches, but Real Madrid are close behind in second place with 69 points. The four-point gap could narrow quickly, especially if Madrid wins while Barcelona drops points in their next fixture.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's a huge blow for Barcelona's title hopes. The schedule is insane. Players are not machines. Hope he recovers soon, but the Champions League quarters without him will be very tough. Feel for the fans.
A
Arjun K
While I agree the calendar is congested, clubs like Barcelona also have massive squads. They should rotate more. Indian clubs face similar issues with ISL, AFC Cup, and national duty. It's part of modern football.
S
Sarah B
The real shame is that a player gets injured representing his country and the club president's first reaction is to blame the schedule, not wish the player well. The tone feels a bit off, no? Wishing Raphinha a speedy recovery.
V
Vikram M
As a Madrid fan, even I think this is bad for football. You want to see the best players compete in the biggest matches. A friendly in March? Completely unnecessary. FIFA needs a complete overhaul.
K
Kavya N
This is why many Indian parents are hesitant about sports careers. The physical toll is immense. Hope the authorities listen. Player health should be the top priority, not fixtures and TV rights.

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