9 Sep 2010Football clubs criticise August internationals

Football Clubs News | Football Leagues/ Association and Governance

A group representing more than 200 of Europe's top football clubs has urged FIFA to scrap the August international friendly fixtures, claiming they are disruptive to the start of the domestic season.

The European Clubs' Association (ECA) suggested the timing of the matches could increase the risk of footballers picking up injuries and insisted it is inappropriate to be playing international friendlies just weeks after the end of a major tournament.

"Some countries are already playing their third series of internationals since the [FIFA World Cup]. We need deep discussions to find a solution," said ECA chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

He claimed the effects of fixture congestion can be "very dangerous" for players and warned world football's governing body that his organisation intends to continue making calls to reschedule early-season internationals.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp was particularly fierce in his criticism of England's recent games, describing them as "meaningless" and laying the blame firmly at FIFA's door.

Written by Paul Roberts 

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