Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has expressed his criticism towards the FA ahead of the upcoming season.
Varane voiced his concerns about the FA disregarding players’ input before the start of the new season.
The Frenchman firmly believes that longer games, caused by increased stoppage time, will have negative implications for him and his fellow athletes.
The FA’s intention is to reduce time-wasting and enhance the time the ball is in play, which means matches will more frequently reach at least 100 minutes.
Varane pointed out that during the World Cup in Qatar last year, a significant amount of stoppage time was added at both halftime and the end of the game.
The weekend’s opening round of EFL games marked the beginning of the English authorities adopting a similar strategy.
In a tweet, the Manchester United defender expressed his thoughts: “We had a meeting last week with the FA. They recommended new decisions and rules to the referees.”
From the managers and players perspective, we have shared our concerns for many years now that there are too many games, the schedule is overcrowded, and it’s at a dangerous level for players physical and mental well-being.
“Despite our previous feedbacks, they have now recommended for next season: longer games, more intensity, and less emotions to be shown by players. We just want to be in good condition on the pitch to give 100% to our club and fans. Why are our opinions not being heard?
“As a player I feel very privileged to do the job I love every day but I feel these changes are damaging our game. We want to be at our maximum level, the best we can be and put on amazing performances for fans to celebrate every week.
“I believe it is important that we, players and managers, highlight these important issues as we want to protect the game we love and give the fans our best.”
Following his Manchester City team conceding a 101st-minute equaliser against Arsenal in the Community Shield on Sunday, Pep Guardiola also criticised the changes. In his post-game presser on Sunday, Guardiola emphasised his frustration.
“If the new regulations are continued,” he joked, “matches will go on till the next morning.”
While concerns were raised about the issue, the FA will go on with their plans and if they decide to change the rules, they can only do so at the start of the 2024/25 season.