Barcelona president fires at FIFA after star forward suffers injury

FC Barcelona President-elect Joan Laporta has condemned the packed football calendar, aiming his frustration directly at FIFA following a devastating right hamstring tear sustained by star winger Raphinha. 

The 28-year-old suffered the injury during Brazil's 2-1 friendly defeat to France in the United States during the March international break, ruling him out for an estimated five weeks. 

Speaking to Món Esport this week, Laporta demanded that FIFA restructure the international calendar, factoring in the critical nature of this period to club campaigns

“Raphinha's injury is a shame. FIFA must make their calendar considering that these players play for big clubs,” the presidential election winner explained.

While a number of Barcelona fans on social media have taken to various platforms, blaming the former Leeds star for playing an exhibition at breakneck pace leading to injury, Laporta refused to tow that line, acknowledging the professionalism of players. 

“You can't blame the players. They are professionals and they give their all for their country,” he continued. “The problem is the crowded schedule in the time of the season where we are playing for everything. It's infuriating!” 

Raphinha's five-week absence strikes at a critical juncture of the 2025/26 season. The Brazilian, who has registered a stellar 19 goals and eight assists in 31 appearances across all competitions this season, is now ruled out of several season-defining fixtures, most notably the massive triple-header against Atlético Madrid, which includes an upcoming LALIGA clash and both legs of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. 

Without Raphinha's pressing, energy, and leadership, Hansi Flick's system has historically collapsed; Barcelona have already lost five of the 13 matches they have played without the winger this season, including damaging defeats to Real Madrid, PSG, and Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey. 

While the sporting damage is immeasurable, Barcelona will receive some financial relief via the FIFA Club Protection Programme.