'Gave Up Our Vacations To Play': Raphinha Slams FIFA For Flawed Club World Cup Scheduling
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Barcelona and Brazil's Raphinha criticized the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, stressing players weren't consulted and are forced to sacrifice vacations.
Barcelona and Brazil forward Raphinha has expressed frustration over players not being consulted about the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, saying no one should be forced to sacrifice their vacation.
The new-format tournament began on June 14 and runs until July 13, following a packed schedule that included the end of the European club season in late May and an international window in early June.
'Speaking particularly as someone who plays for a European team, we would (currently) be on vacation," Raphinha said.
'Marquinhos and Beraldo, from Paris Saint-Germain, won the Champions League and didn't even get to celebrate properly. They came to the national team and then went to the Club World Cup. They still haven't stopped."
He noted that players' need for rest is often dismissed. 'Many say that this is an excuse. It may or may not be, but having to give up our vacations out of obligation is very complicated. It's our right. Everyone deserves at least a month of vacation. And many of them won't get it."
With major European leagues restarting by mid-August and pre-seasons kicking off earlier that month, Raphinha emphasized the demanding schedule.
'If PSG reach the Club World Cup final, they will have the Super Cup right away. It doesn't stop," he said. 'It depends on your point of view. From my point of view, it's very bad to give up your vacation to play something that you are forced to do. At no point did they ask the players if they wanted to.
'It (should be) up to us to accept it. Having to give up your vacation to play in a new tournament is very complicated."
Paris Saint-Germain are scheduled to play Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Super Cup on August 13, just a month after the Club World Cup concludes.
(with Reuters inputs)
First Published:
June 28, 2025, 10:24 IST
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