Barcelona president Joan Laporta has voiced his frustration after Raphinha picked up an injury while on international duty with Brazil.
The winger was forced off during Brazil’s friendly defeat to France, immediately raising concerns within the Barcelona camp given the timing in a crucial stage of the season. With the club competing on multiple fronts, any injury to a key player carries significant weight.
Raphinha is now set to undergo medical tests, leaving Barcelona anxiously awaiting clarity on the severity of the issue.
For Laporta, however, the situation already highlights a broader problem, and he did not hold back when addressing it.
Joan Laporta criticizes FIFA after Raphinha’s injury in Brazil friendly
Speaking in comments shared by Fabrizio Romano, Laporta made his frustration clear.
“Raphinha’s injury is a shame. FIFA must make their calendar considering that these players play for big clubs,” Laporta said.
He added: “It’s a friendly match, and one of the team’s best players suffers an injury. Of course it’s annoying.”
Laporta’s comments reflect Barcelona’s growing concern over international fixtures, particularly friendlies, being scheduled during decisive parts of the club season. Losing a player like Raphinha at this stage could have a direct impact on their ambitions.
The injury has once again brought attention to the risks clubs face when players join their national teams and for Barcelona, this is not an isolated incident.
Joan Laporta blames the packed schedule for recurring issues
Laporta also made it clear that his frustration is not directed at the players themselves, but at the broader structure of the calendar.
“You can’t blame the players. They are professionals, and they give their all for their country,” Laporta continued.
He concluded, stating: “The problem is the crowded schedule, in the time of the season where we are playing for everything. It’s infuriating!”
His remarks underline a long-standing tension between club and international football, especially when fixtures pile up late in the season.
Barcelona, like many top clubs, rely heavily on their key players during this period, making any disruption particularly costly.
With Raphinha now sidelined, the debate around scheduling is once again front and centre, and for Laporta, the issue is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
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