EPL: Rapheal Varane hits out at English FA over new rule
Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has taken a swipe at the English FA for ignoring player concerns and increasing players’ workload with the new rules released ahead of the 2023/24 season.
The English FA has introduced new rules to check time-wasting by players.
Under the new regulations, referees will add the exact time lost in goal celebrations, substitutions or injuries to the stoppage time. In previous seasons, the policy was to aggregate a nominal period of time.
Reacting to the new rule, Varane accused the English FA of not taking the well-being of players into consideration. He stated that longer games caused by additional stoppage time will have a detrimental effect on him and his fellow professionals.
The French footballer wrote;
“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.
“Despite our previous feedback, 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.”
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…
— Raphaël Varane (@raphaelvarane) August 7, 2023
During halftime and at the end of matches during the World Cup in Qatar last year, a significant amount of stoppage time was added. The weekend’s opening round of EFL games marked the beginning of the English authorities’ imitation of that strategy.
At the Community Shield match during the weekend, Arsenal equalised in the 101st minute at Wembley and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola joked that matches will end up being played until the following day.
