In the Netherlands camp, the 1-1 Nations League group-stage draw with Germany left Virgil van Dijk frustrated on more than one front. The Liverpool defender questioned the refereeing of Spain’s Hernández Hernández, but reserved his strongest criticism for FIFA and a calendar he believes is pushing players beyond reasonable limits.
Quick facts
- Netherlands drew 1-1 with Germany in the Nations League group stage.
- Virgil van Dijk was unhappy with referee Hernández Hernández’s performance.
- The Dutch captain also criticised FIFA over the international schedule.
- Brian Brobbey suffered an injury after arriving in strong form.
- Sunderland could be without Brobbey for several weeks.
Van Dijk’s concern centred on international football resuming only months after the World Cup. He said the complaints are shared widely among players, who feel FIFA has not responded to warnings about the growing physical burden.
“This has been the complaint from almost every player, but FIFA do not seem to listen,” Van Dijk said. “We only finished the World Cup a few months ago, so why is there such a rush to play international matches again so soon? The workload on players is excessive.”
Brobbey’s injury gave that argument an immediate and personal edge for the Netherlands defender. The forward had been in excellent condition before being sidelined, with Sunderland now facing a spell without him.
Van Dijk questioned how injuries can be avoided when players are required to play on a Sunday and return to action only days later. He stopped short of expanding fully on the issue, acknowledging the risk of disciplinary consequences, but said FIFA must reconsider the fixture programme.
“Brobbey was in tremendous form and now he is injured,” he said. “How are players meant to avoid injuries when they play on Sunday and then again a few days later? It is absurd. I do not want to say too much and get myself into trouble, but FIFA really should look again at the calendar. The players are the ones who suffer the consequences.”
