Barcelona President Slams FIFA’s Crowded Calendar After Raphinha Injury
Barcelona president-elect Joan Laporta has condemned the packed FIFA schedule following Raphinha’s hamstring tear during the March international break. The winger suffered the injury in Brazil’s friendly against France in the United States and faces a five-week layoff. Laporta told a local sports outlet that FIFA must overhaul the calendar to protect club interests. “It’s a friendly match, and one of the team’s best players suffers an injury,” he said. He argued that clubs lose key players in low-stakes fixtures under the current format. Raphinha’s absence comes at a crucial point in the 2025/26 season. He has scored 19 goals and provided eight assists in 31 appearances. Without his pace and pressing, Barcelona could struggle in La Liga and the Champions League quarter-finals. The club will seek compensation through the FIFA Club Protection Programme.
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