RAPHAEL VARANE has slammed the FA over new rule changes that will see Premier League referees add on more minutes to games.
The new set of rule changes seek to curb the amount of time wasting by following the 2022 World Cup’s lead – which saw long periods of added time become common place.
But Varane has taken to Twitter to express his, and he says other players, concerns about the amount footballers are being forced to play.
He has accused the FA of “damaging the game” and claims “players are not being heard” in the cutting statement.
He tweeted: “We had a meeting last week with the FA. They recommended from the referees new decisions and rules.
“From the managers and players, 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.
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“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.”
The rule changes were announced at the end of last month and could see games regularly last over 100 minutes.
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Longer games have been a feature of the women’s World Cup in Australia with the clock essentially paused for any stoppages in a match.
Mens football got its first taste of the new rules during the Community Shield final between Arsenal and Manchester City yesterday with Arsenal scoring a 101st minute equaliser.
City manager Pep Guardiola was critical of the amount of time added on in the game and said that games would last until “tomorrow morning at 8am” if the rule changes remain in place.
Guardiola’s criticism echoed that of Varane’s when he said that managers and players had not been consulted enough when the rule changes were proposed.
He said: “We will have to get used to this. We were winning 1-0. I had a feeling that not much happened to extend eight minutes.
“But it is a good question for the international board and all the people because they don’t consult with the managers, they don’t consult with the players.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta also fell foul of the new rule changes when he was shown a yellow card by Stuart Atwell after waving an imaginary one in an attempt to get Rodri booked.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
