There has long been critique of FIFA’s decision to schedule three international breaks during the autumn break, seeing players leave their clubs for their country for a short period of time, returning and then doing the same thing again a few weeks later…three times in total. FIFA actually listened to this critique and, from 2026 onwards, the autumn international break will last from late September to early October.
Speaking to Tz about the topic, as captured by @iMiaSanMia, Bayern’s board member
for sport Max Eberl’s initial reaction was broadly positive.
“Overall, this step to restructure the international schedule makes sense from a sporting perspective, both for the national teams and the clubs: For example, the national team coaches have longer time windows to practice, while at the same time, the league schedules are no longer interrupted as often. However, the opportunity could have been used to take a broader view, perhaps to consider further release periods in greater detail, and to make additional adjustments,” said Eberl.
However, there is a big downside to this whole rescheduling of the international break. The international break will now be held at the same time as the Oktoberfest is in Munich. The Oktoberfest, to those who somehow do not know, is one of Munich’s greatest events every year, a Bavarian traditional beer festival that spans from mid-to-late September to early October. It is along standing tradition that Bayern would release new kits during Oktoberfest, wear them for the Oktoberfest match and then spend a day at the festival.
That will no longer be the case. The international break occurs right during the span of the Oktoberfest. Eberl, who is all too experienced with the long standing tradition that is Bayern’s relationship to this special event, acknowledges what a shame it is that this tradition has now been “affected.”
“Oktoberfest home game days are always festivities in Munich. I know that too well, having grown up here, supported FC Bayern from a young age, and experienced the occasional Oktoberfest home game,” Eberl explained, as captured by @iMiaSanMia. “From a sporting perspective, the reform has advantages, but of course, a piece of Bavarian tradition is affected, which many FC Bayern fans rightly regret. We as a club also always look forward to these special festivities.”
How Bayern will handle the Oktoberfest celebrations next year is a right conundrum.
