‘To ask players to have only two weeks off in a whole year is unacceptable.’
Andy Robertson has criticised Fifa’s fixture scheduling and described it as ‘unacceptable’ – urging the governing body to consider player welfare when rearranging summer fixtures.
Scotland could be required to play as many as six matches in June, with a World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final and four Uefa Nations League fixtures already planned.
Steve Clarke’s men recently had their play-off clash against Ukraine postponed due to the ongoing Russian invasion.
Given to unique timing of the World Cup, which takes place in November and December this year, the football calendar is even more compressed than usual – with the next Premier League season also set to commence earlier than it normally does.
Robertson: Players need a break.
Liverpool defender Robertson is concerned that he and his teammates – particularly those playing in Scotland and outside of the English top-flight – may not receive sufficient rest.
“I don’t think it’s fair to ask players to play six games in June when our summer break is already being cut short because of the World Cup during the season,” he said.
“A lot has been said about player welfare over the last couple of years and I hope that’s at the forefront of the decision. To ask players to have only two weeks off in a whole year is unacceptable for me.
“The Nations League is important but four games is a lot after an intense season for everyone. I think four has to be the maximum.
“We are already going to June 14 and all the boys are back at the latest by the start of July. The Scottish-based boys are back well before that, the Championship boys as well.
“You are asking boys to have eight or nine days’ holiday, which I don’t think is fair. That’s why I hope it doesn’t go further than June 14.”
Wales await the winners of Scotland vs Ukraine
Scotland’s planned match against Ukraine was postponed and pushed back after the invasion of the country by Russia.
Wales will face off against the winners after they defeated Austria in their one-legged semi-final last week.
The 28-year-old Robertson is prepared to wait to finish the qualification process until Ukraine are able to play the fixture, even if it requires a change to the schedule.
He added: “Whenever Ukraine can play the game then we have to play it, whether that’s September or October or whenever it has to be.
“But maybe other games could be moved to other international breaks to fit that in. It has to be on their terms and I think other games can make way for the most important ones.”
🗣 “I’m fit and well.”
Andy Robertson confirms his availability ahead of Scotland’s friendly against Austria this evening. 🏴 pic.twitter.com/Yamum2fkwk
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) March 29, 2022
Scotland take on Austria in Vienna in a friendly on Tuesday evening, with Robertson expected to return to the starting line-up after missing the previous match.
