August 08, (THEWILL) – Manchester United defender, Raphael Varane, has spoken out on his reservations about the recent amendments to football regulations, cautioning that these changes are propelling players into perilous territory.
Varane’s concerns centred around new additions to playing time, with extra minutes tacked on at the end of matches. This directive, aimed at curbing time-wasting, has seen referees extend gameplay in response to in-game delays. On Sunday, a recent instance was observed during the Community Shield, where Arsenal managed to net an equaliser in the 101st minute against Manchester City, leading to a subsequent penalty shootout.
Taking to social media, Varane conveyed the outcomes of a recent dialogue with the Football Association (FA) concerning the introduction of new rules and directives. There, managers and players voiced long-standing concerns about the demanding fixture schedule, asserting that the current pace and intensity of matches were jeopardising the physical and mental well-being of athletes. In his words, Varane stated: “Despite our previous feedback, they have now recommended for next season: longer games, more intensity, and less emotions to be shown by players.”
This, he contended, could potentially compromise the players’ ability to perform at their peak and deliver enthralling performances for their devoted supporters. While Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, lauded the changes as positive, suggesting that 100-minute matches may become the new norm, Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola was dissatisfied with the increased playing time. The Catalan coach underscored that players and managers were not consulted in the decision-making process.
Varane, in a call for solidarity, urged fellow players and managers to stand together in safeguarding the integrity of the sport. As Manchester United gears up to commence their Premier League campaign against Wolves on August 14, Varane’s apprehensions cast a spotlight on the delicate balance between preserving the game’s essence and accommodating the relentless demands of the modern football calendar.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
