Joan Laporta demands FIFA rethink international calendar following Raphinha injury

By SABC Sport
2nd April 2026

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has called on FIFA to rethink the international calendar after Raphinha suffered a hamstring injury that will sideline him for up to five weeks.

The Brazilian winger picked up the injury while on international duty, leaving Barcelona without one of their key attacking players during a crucial stage of the season. It is a major setback for manager Hansi Flick, who has relied heavily on Raphinha's pace and creativity in recent weeks.

Laporta did not hide his frustration when addressing the situation, insisting that clubs are being unfairly affected by international fixtures.

"In some way we should demand FIFA create an international calendar that takes into account the competitions of the biggest clubs," he said. "It is very frustrating that in a friendly match, one of our best players gets injured."

The Barcelona president made it clear that players should not be blamed for representing their countries.

"You cannot put the responsibility on the player for playing. They are professionals, and when they represent their country, they give everything," he added.

Despite the growing tension, Barcelona must now focus on coping without Raphinha as they push to finish the campaign strongly under Flick.

Laporta also addressed Flick's future, confirming that contract talks will be delayed until the end of the season.

"At the end of the season, we will speak calmly," Laporta explained. "He is very honest and very professional. I believe he has earned a renewal, but he prefers to wait, analyse everything, and then decide."

For now, Barcelona's priority remains on results, but Laporta's comments have once again highlighted the growing club-versus-country debate at the highest level of the game.