section_path: Reactions/Criticism
section_name: Criticism
paragraph_text: Criticism
  
  The format has been criticised for allowing weaker teams to qualify through the Nations League to compete in the European Championship finals, instead of qualifying through the standard qualification process. However, once the tournament began in 2018, it got applause for "very high-level matches" and impressive turnouts in the initial round of fixtures.
  
  Criticism of the Nations League resurfaced in 2022 when major footballers like Kevin de Bruyne and Virgil van Dijk condemned the Nations League as "unimportant" and only existing to glorify some friendlies as well as questioning the calendar due to possibility of injuries. Their stance is also shared by Jürgen Klopp, who called it "ridiculous". Croatia international Luka Modrić sparked even wider debate by criticising UEFA for making players play Nations League games so soon after the end of the season.
  
  The format has been criticised for allowing weaker teams to qualify through the Nations League to compete in the European Championship finals, instead of qualifying through the standard qualification process. However, once the tournament began in 2018, it got applause for "very high-level matches" and impressive turnouts in the initial round of fixtures.
  
  Criticism of the Nations League resurfaced in 2022 when major footballers like Kevin de Bruyne and Virgil van Dijk condemned the Nations League as "unimportant" and only existing to glorify some friendlies as well as questioning the calendar due to possibility of injuries. Their stance is also shared by Jürgen Klopp, who called it "ridiculous". Croatia international Luka Modrić sparked even wider debate by criticising UEFA for making players play Nations League games so soon after the end of the season.