Manchester United centre-back Raphaël Varane questions new guidelines on added time

Manchester United centre-back Raphaël Varane (30) has voiced his concern on X regarding the new guidelines on added time implemented by the game’s lawmakers.

Referees have been asked to more accurately calculate wasted time due to stoppages, including substitutions, goal celebrations or VAR checks. As a consequence, games can last longer than 100 minutes, putting a bigger strain on the players’ health.

The 2018 World Cup winner surprisingly announced his international retirement at only 29, explaining his decision by pointing the finger at the overcrowded schedule that comes with the international and club calendar. “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”, Varane wrote in his post.

The former Real Madrid defender adds that the players have not been listened to. “Despite our previous feedback, they have now recommended for next season: longer games, more intensity, and less emotions to be shown by players.” Varane’s appeal comes the day after the Community Shield when Arsenal restored parity with Manchester United in the 101st minute of play. City manager Pep Guardiola bemoaned and lamented the “big-brain guys who decide these things.“

Varane ended his post by saying it is important that players and managers highlight these issues “as we want to protect the game we love and give the fans our best.“

GFFN | Bastien Cheval