International Break: Its Significance in the Early Parts of the Season

For football fans, the international break can be an inconvenience. Many do not look forward to it, as it breaks up the competitive football leagues like the Premier League can often offer.

In fact, the break might not be welcomed all that much by many parties. Clubs in the league might find it inconvenient. Broadcasters may also find it a little more of a hindrance. Indeed, there has been a great debate about them, with few favouring them.

Why May Premier League Clubs Not Enjoy the International Break?

Clubs in the Premier League may not like the international breaks that happen in the early stages of the season for several reasons. The placement of these breaks in September, October, and November can break up any momentum that may have been achieved between each one. The disruption to the rhythm that may have been accomplished can be difficult to find after a break.

Player injuries can also happen and impact a club’s season in its entirety. Those teams that have been struggling and are among the favourites in the latest Premier League relegation odds can ill afford season-ending injuries or even knocks that force a player to spend time on the sidelines. They will need their best players available to escape the drop.

Broadcasters May Find Themselves Impacted By the International Break

As mentioned, many football fans don’t enjoy the international break. Many only like the major competitions, which typically happen in the summer. The games played during these months are usually considered nothing more than friendlies or exhibition matches, despite forming part of the Nations League or qualifiers for a major competition.

Broadcasters may start to suffer because of the lack of interest. Some broadcasters may not have the rights to showcase the main game of their country, which can mean they miss out on viewers. With fewer viewers, they are unlikely to generate as much money as they may when broadcasting matches from leagues as big as the Premier League.

Fans May Also Miss Out During the International Break

Going to the football on the weekend or a weekday evening can be an experience that many around the UK share. It’s a part of their norm. Often, it can be an activity that they enjoy with loved ones, spending time enjoying something together that they are passionate about. The international break can disrupt things for those who attend Premier League or Championship matches. Call-ups of their players mean games can be postponed, rescheduled, or simply not played for almost two weeks.

It can stop many other activities that are enjoyed as part of the matchday culture, too. We know that football is one of the most popular sports to follow, and so bookmakers will often offer other markets during this period, allowing people to view things like virtual horse racing results after placing bets. The break can also reduce fan engagement, as they may feel they have less to discuss because of the perceived lack of competitiveness these fixtures often have.

Will the International Breaks Ever be Enjoyed?

There aren’t many arguments that can be made about the potential success of the international break. Wherever you look, many negatives can be made about them, and you’d have to think the players probably don’t enjoy them all that much, either.

With footballers being asked to play more and more matches each year, perhaps the international breaks are where games can be reduced from the schedule in the future. Of course, this could create an issue regarding the biggest tournaments, but nobody seems to like how things are now.

Published: 22/10/2024 by Radio NewsHub