Xavi is proposing a practical path to ease persistent clashes between club responsibilities and national team duties, a tension that grows each time a player sustains an injury. He points to FIFA’s research as alignment for his thinking, while noting that the sport’s governing bodies have not signaled a move to shrink the international match calendar. Nor is there clear momentum toward a shorter schedule; on the contrary, the trend appears to favor broader player participation as tournaments expand and more teams join the continental and world events.
The proposal suggests that the commitments required by national teams should be folded into the clubs’ yearly calendars. The core idea is to keep players actively involved with their club teams through the nine-month season and then, after that, allow a concise period for national team duties. The plan envisions a rhythm where players would spend nine months with clubs, followed by a short two-month window for national team commitments, before returning to club life for the next phase. A granted break of roughly a month could help reset, but the emphasis remains on maintaining continuous club activity throughout most of the year.
Three pauses in one quarter
Xavi argues that this approach is preferable to the current pattern of frequent short breaks. In recent seasons, players have faced intermittent pauses in September for elections, another in October, and a final one in November, with matches continuing into the midweek. Barcelona, for instance, has seen between 10 and 16 squad members called up to national teams during these windows, leading to diminished squad depth for league fixtures and European campaigns alike.
The reasoning is straightforward: fewer long trips and less wear and tear would reduce fatigue and the risk of injuries. Xavi offers a concrete example involving players from the Bloodline of American and African internationals who balance duties with European clubs. The goal is to keep the core squad more cohesive and available for important fixtures in Vallecas and beyond, without demanding a constant churn of travel and national-team commitments.
Now two more losses
Recent periods have again seen significant setbacks. Ter Stegen missed time while with the German squad, and Gavi sustained a serious cruciate ligament injury during the international window, casting a shadow over Spain’s match against Georgia. This follows a pattern from the previous autumn, when Barcelona had to cope without key players like Araujo and Koundé, and when Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay dealt with injuries while representing the Netherlands and France respectively. The takeaway is clear: international breaks continue to bite into club plans, threatening momentum in league play and European competition alike.
For clubs in North America—where the sport is rapidly expanding—these dynamics carry additional weight. MLS teams and Canadian franchises face similar scheduling pressures as European powers, with long travel times, dense calendars, and the ever-present risk of injuries during international windows. A more predictable rhythm could help front offices manage rosters, training loads, and recovery periods more effectively, translating into more consistent performances and safer player careers. The wider fan base would likely benefit too, seeing stronger, more available lineups for marquee matches and rivalries that draw bigger crowds and stronger television viewership.
From a governance perspective, any shift requires buy-in from FIFA and the continental bodies, plus the major leagues and player unions. The challenge lies in balancing the commercial realities of broadcast rights, sponsorships, and sponsorships with the health and longevity of the players who drive the sport forward. The discussion, though ongoing, underscores a shared objective: to preserve competitiveness while safeguarding players from recurring injuries that interrupt seasons and undermine team continuity.
Ultimately, fans in Canada, the United States, and beyond would benefit from a clearer, more stable schedule. A calendar that minimizes abrupt interruptions could help clubs plan better, train smarter, and develop younger players in a more controlled environment. If professionals can stay healthier and available for more of the season, the quality of every league and domestic cup competition could rise—benefiting national teams in the long run through deeper pools of fit, ready athletes.