Hans Kraay junior criticises XXL-interlandbreak and UEFA compensation

Hans Kraay Jr., former player and analyst, expresses his amazement at the week-and-a-half-long XXL international break that forces top clubs from Europe to let their players play for the national team for free, while the clubs receive only a modest fee from UEFA.

Whistleblower on the fee

Kraay calls the fee a ‘considerable misstep’ and points to the amount of three thousand eight hundred thirty‑three euros and fifteen cents per player set by UEFA. He argues that clubs that hand over their players for internationals receive this amount back, which he deems absurd. The analyst emphasizes that this does not do justice to the millions clubs pay for the players.

According to Kraay, clubs are not at all eager to part with their players. He argues that the obligation to make players available for internationals undermines club interests, especially when the players are valuable.

Kraay cites the recent injuries of Cody Gakpo, Brian Brobbey, Jan‑Paul van Hecke and Lutsharel Geertruida as evidence of the heavy burden. He notes that these players already face a double European schedule in their own league.

After the exhausting international period, the players must report to the new national team coach Xavi, who, according to Kraay, is eager to shape his playing style as quickly as possible. Kraay suggests that the players get little rest, despite their ‘murderous schedule’.

The contrast between the players’ enormous effort and the modest UEFA fee underscores Kraay’s point: clubs are being drained back, while their investment remains unchanged. He concludes with a sarcastic congratulations to the system.