{
  "id": 15720814,
  "title": "Uli Hoeneß critical of the extended international break",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/uli-hoene-critical-of-the-extended-international-break",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-20T08:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/uli-hoene-critical-extended-international-083000978.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Uli Hoeneß, former president of Bayern Munich, expressed strong disapproval of the extended international break recently implemented by UEFA. Speaking on the matter, Hoeneß lamented that a long break so soon after the start of the season is highly disruptive, particularly with numerous players having to travel extensively. He pointed out that Bayern Munich's players returned late from international duty only for the Bundesliga to kick off on August 25. Hoeneß contended that the organization's decision to schedule a two-week international break only four weeks into the season was a disaster. This extended break led to a number of injuries for key players, many of whom requested to withdraw from their national teams and club managers scrambling to quickly regroup before the resumption of Bundesliga matches. Hoeneß emphasized that the clubs should have a stronger voice in these decisions, as they are the ones paying the players' salaries. Another club manager, Borussia Dortmund's Niko Kovač, echoed Hoeneß's sentiments, stating that Dortmund felt like they were starting from scratch after the international break.",
  "summary": "Uli’s not a fan of the extended international break(s).",
  "key_points": [
    "Uli Hoeneß criticizes extended UEFA international break.",
    "Break disrupts Bundesliga season, causes injuries.",
    "Clubs demand stronger decision-making power."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The early international break disrupts club preparation and increases injury risks, signaling a growing power struggle between governing bodies and the professional teams that fund player salaries.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}