Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has expressed his concerns on social media regarding the FA’s decision to introduce new rule changes ahead of the upcoming season.
These changes include longer playing time due to frequent delays when the ball is not in play, and stricter disciplinary measures, with players and managers facing bookings for even slight displays of dissent.
During the FA Community Shield match at Wembley, both Arsenal and Manchester City experienced the impact of the new rules as the officials strictly enforced them.
Players Mikel Arteta, Thomas Partey, and Julian Alvarez were all booked for actions that might have gone unnoticed in the previous season.
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Raphael Varane has expressed his views ahead of the upcoming Premier League season as he shared his feelings about the new rule changes. While speaking via Twitter, he said:
“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.”
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
Players are likely to face increased scrutiny and caution due to the new rules, potentially leading to a rise in red cards during the upcoming season.
Instances like Partey and Alvarez receiving yellow cards for minor actions, even when barely touching the ball, highlight the strict enforcement of these rules.
The extended minutes of play will result in longer match durations, possibly exceeding 100 minutes, similar to what players experienced during the World Cup in Qatar.
However, the challenge now lies in managing this over the course of a full season, which may lead to increased fatigue among players.
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The FA’s objective is to discourage time-wasting, prompting Varane, his teammates, and other players to adapt quickly and keep the game flowing whenever the ball goes out of play.
As United prepares to begin their Premier League campaign against Wolverhampton Wanderers next Monday, manager Erik ten Hag and his players must swiftly familiarize themselves with the new rules and their consequences to ensure a successful start to the season.
Being well-informed about the changes will be crucial in making the most of the opportunities and avoiding any potential pitfalls throughout the upcoming campaign.
