“It's a disaster by UEFA!” – Bayern chief Hoeneß slams extended international break

Bayern Munich chief Uli Hoeneß has strongly criticised UEFA for scheduling an extended international break so soon after the World Cup and the start of the 2026/27 season.

Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

After a three-week international break that saw most national teams play four matches, Bayern Munich resumed their campaign on Saturday with a disappointing 2-2 draw against FC Augsburg.

Speaking to Bild, as reported by iMiaSanMia, Bayern supervisory board member Uli Hoeneß criticised the timing of the international break, arguing that it had disrupted the German champions' rhythm early in the season.

“We're the ones suffering the most from the long World Cup. Our players came back late and then the Bundesliga started on August 25. I think it's a disaster by UEFA to organize a two week break, only 4 weeks after the start of the season,” Hoeneß fumed.

“We had 18 players travelling, so it's perfectly normal to lose our rhythm. The clubs must finally stand up for themselves because we pay the players, and not their national teams. And that's for a silly competition like the Nations League. It's the joke of the year.”

The German champions now turn their attention to the Champions League on Tuesday, when they take on Norwegian side Viking FK.