Fifa consider longer but fewer international breaks during season after criticism from Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger
Football's world rulers are launching consultation as it tries to get a balance between the demands of club and country
Fifa is considering longer but fewer international breaks during the season.
Manchester United chief Jose Mourinho and Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger are among those who feel the October break is too early.
And football's world rulers are keen to find a balance between the demands of club and country.
Inernational bosses currently have four two-week spells with their players in each domestic term - August, the current World Cup break, November and March.
But some Premier League clubs believe holding the second break as early as October interrupts the settling-in time to the club season.
And after United's flying start this term, Mourinho said last weekend: "I don't welcome the break, it's bad.
"We had the first break and two days after the players came back we had to play another game.
"It's not a good situation for us but moaning doesn't help. We have to wait for them and hope there are not many problems."
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Wenger, meanwhile, said at the same time after the Gunners' 2-0 defeat of Brighton: "I would have loved to be able to continue to play, but we cannot do anything about that
“Our last international break was a nightmare, but this is one is a bit better."
Ex-England midfielder Owen Hargreaves told BBC Radio 5 live today he is sceptical about players having extended absences from their clubs.
He said: "I think it will be hard to be away from your club for longer.
"Sometimes already you are away for 10 or 11 days - to be away for longer is difficult.
"Club managers complain when their players come back injured and international managers don't have enough time with their players, so it will be a difficult issue to address."
The international breaks are fixed until 2024 unless stakeholders such as clubs, leagues and broadcasters agree changes..
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