European Football Associations Push for Old Break Schedule

European football associations are set to request UEFA to support the reintegration of the old international break schedule, following widespread criticism of the new three-week system. This new format combined the September and October international breaks, requiring countries to fit four Nations League games into approximately 11 days.

Concerns have been raised regarding player welfare, injuries, and financial implications, with officials from various football associations deeming the plan unworkable. At a meeting in Berlin, Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt and chief executive Mark Bullingham highlighted the disadvantages of the current schedule.

Many unions expressed a preference for returning to five distinct international breaks, each lasting two weeks. The updated schedule was ratified by FIFA in 2023 to alleviate players' travel burdens and enhance their wellbeing.

However, the Nations League matches have faced scrutiny due to injuries during the international window, and some federations reported difficulties in ticket sales for closely scheduled home games. UEFA faces challenges in reversing the current international match calendar, which is set until 2030.