Former Matildas star expresses frustration as A-League refuses to break for internationals | OneFootball

Michelle Heyman has expressed her frustrations with the A-League during international break, as the competition will still continue even when the Matildas are in action.   

The A-League is the only FIFA-run competition that doesn’t take a break while internationals are on.

Michelle Heyman frustrated with A-League

The Matildas are in action on Friday night this week, but A-League games will still go ahead on Saturday and Sunday.

Australia’s top league promoted this weekend’s fixtures on their social media but there was one comment in particular that caught the eye.

Former Australia star Michelle Heyman showed her frustration with the league, saying: “The only league to play in a FIFA window … cheers.”

The 37-year-old also spoke at a Matildas event this week where she further expanded on her problem.

“Sometimes it’s a bit sad knowing that Canberra still have to play when I’m not there and we’re missing Liz Anton who plays for New Zealand as well.

“For us it’s two senior players that we are missing this week and the A-League is a challenging league and every game counts, so for us to be the only one’s playing is a bit uncomfortable.”

There are some games that are postponed due to the international break, but only when teams have a certain amount of players missing.

“You have to have five players out in the national team set up (for a game to be rescheduled)…. so for us we’ve only got three and the same with Sydney FC, so they want to continue.”

Why doesn’t the A-League break for internationals?

The A-League has since replied to Heyman’s frustrations, explaining why they are the only FIFA competition to not take a short break.

“With the AFC Women’s Asian Cup taking place in the middle of our season, we had scheduled to play up to five matches again during this window to avoid fixture congestion and mid-week matches,” an APL spokesperson said.

“We’ve since rescheduled three of these matches in line with our fixture policy and feedback from clubs, based on scheduling and players called up to senior squads and junior national team training camps.”

Canberra United vs Sydney and Melbourne Victory vs Perth Glory will be the only fixtures going ahead this weekend.