Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has criticized the new guidelines implemented by the Premier League for this season. Varane questioned why players’ opinions were not considered when making these changes, which include alterations to added time calculations and player conduct.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) directed competitions worldwide to adopt a more accurate approach to calculating time lost during stoppages. This includes goal celebrations and VAR checks. The changes were initially tested at the men’s World Cup in Qatar and were deemed successful. However, Varane argues that players’ concerns have been overlooked, leading to increased pressure on them.
Varane took to Twitter to express his views, stating that players and managers have been vocal about the congested schedule, excessive number of games, and the resulting physical and mental strain on players. Despite providing feedback in the past, Varane claims that the recommendations for the upcoming season still involve longer games, higher intensity, and a directive for players to show less emotion. He questions why their opinions are being disregarded.
The objective behind the revised guidelines on added time is to minimize time-wasting and increase effective playing time. FIFA’s assessment of the average added time played in Qatar revealed an increase compared to the previous World Cup in Russia. Additionally, the effective playing time increased by over four minutes in Qatar. However, global players’ union FIFPRO has voiced concerns that the additional added time could amount to the equivalent of three extra games per season for players with already demanding workloads.
The CEO of the English players’ union, the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), Maheta Molango, has engaged in discussions with numerous senior players and managers, including Varane. The PFA shares concerns about how the new additional time rules will impact the long season of league and cup games. They believe that players will perceive the extra added time as playing additional games. Additionally, there are overarching concerns about the unsustainable football calendar.
Varane highlights the need to protect the game and ensure players can perform at their best. He believes that the changes being implemented are detrimental to the sport, and players and managers should raise these concerns to safeguard the game they love and provide fans with exceptional performances.
Varane’s reference to less emotions to be shown by players alludes to a new code of conduct introduced to improve behavior among players, coaches, and fans at all levels of English football. The code has garnered support from all football authorities, including the PFA. Referees will adopt a consistent and tough approach when confronted by players, with a minimum yellow card being issued when two or more players surround the referee. The Football Association also plans to impose stricter penalties on players and coaches who seriously or repeatedly abuse referees, while fans involved in football tragedy abuse will face severe consequences.
This article presents different perspectives on the changes to Premier League guidelines. While the IFAB emphasizes increased effective playing time, players like Varane stress the physical and mental toll on individuals due to an already demanding schedule. The concerns raised by various stakeholders highlight the need for the football authorities to strike a balance between maintaining the integrity of the game and preserving the well-being of its participants. Only time will tell if the guidelines will achieve their intended goals or require further adjustments.
