Raphael Varane
Image Credits: Getty Images
In August 2023, it was revealed that matches will have more injury time to more accurately reflect stoppages in play, while players and managers have been warned they face tougher punishments for poor behaviour at games.
One player who has been very vocal about the situation is Raphael Varane who departed from the Red Devils in 2024.
Ex-Manchester United defender Raphael Varane took it to social media to share his concerns starting:
“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?”
“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 Frenchman called time on his international career after a demanding mid-season World Cup.
He said: “We have overloaded schedules and play non-stop. Right now, I feel like I’m suffocating.”
Varane had previously spent 243 days on France national team duty between the start of the preparation period prior to the 2018 World Cup and the 2022 World Cup Final.
Now the former World Cup winner has decided to speak out on social media again.
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Raphael Varane took it to X yesterday in which he stated:
“A season longer than a year. More competitions, more games, more injuries. Less care for players.
Still, no response from those in charge…”
This was a response to Barcelona defender Jules Kounde’s post in which he stated:
“There are teams whose season started mid-July 2024… it’s July 4, 2025, and they’re still playing…”
Varane’s constant vocality against the care of players has been ongoing for years.
This tweet yesterday is an indirect message towards FIFA clearly displaying his anger about the situation.
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