章 374: FIFA Virus Part 1

Between November 10 and 16, Europe held two matches between the national teams. Those powerhouse football clubs were deeply affected by the so-called "FIFA virus." Even though the Forest team was not a big club, it still felt the impact.

The "FIFA virus" referred to the period stipulated by FIFA for the international top league tournament during which the national teams transferred a large number of players from the football clubs to conduct the intensive national team competitions. When the players returned to their respective clubs, they were physically and mentally exhausted. With their conditions declined, they played in the football club matches like they were sleepwalking.

This viral outbreak could be long or short. A short outbreak only affected one or two games. As for the long ones, there was another name for them: "World Cup Syndrome." The players who performed well at the World Cup often fell into a downturn season.