Club vs Country?

[sanjosefan]

Recently Arsene Wenger has got me thinking, Arsenal recently lost Robin Van Persie in a international friendly and could be out for up to five months.

Arsene isn't that happy that international games are being played during the league campaign.

I can understand why Wenger is annoyed after he has lost a key player. However in Cricket, Rugby League and Rugby Union and Ice Hockey they play international friendlies during the regular season.

Why should football be an exception for an international break?

Because it should be a Honor to play for your country and not a burden.

[Dan]

Cricket is played through the majority of the season both internationally and domestically. The olympics are currently given an NHL break, but that won't continue.

[sunbeam]

Cricketers are paid by England. It's England who they are contracted to. Footballers are paid very high salaries by their clubs. It's understandable why the clubs get angry.

Similar issues exist in rugby union though not league.

[Alf Garnett]

On a similar vein Dean Ashton has had to retire at 26 having picked up an injury in training with England. This is not long after West Ham paid £7.5 million or so for his services. I'll bet the Hammers are well hacked off.

Just out of interest, do the respective FA's pick up the tab for an injured players wages whilst on international duty or do the clubs foot all of the bill?

[Doughnut]

Dec 15, 2009 19:27:22 GMT Alf Garnett said:

Just out of interest, do the respective FA's pick up the tab for an injured players wages whilst on international duty or do the clubs foot all of the bill?

I'd guess the insurers foot the majority.