Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has slammed the new rules on stoppage time amid fears that longer games will cause burn-out.

This season, competitions all over the world have been told to keep better track of the time lost to stoppages, such as goal celebrations and VAR checks.

The governing body of football, IFAB, said in March that the way extra time is calculated was “well received” at the men’s World Cup in Qatar last year and would be used everywhere.

Arsenal tied the game against Manchester City in the 11th of 13 extra minutes at the end of Sunday’s Community Shield. They went on to win the game on penalties.

Pep Guardiola, the manager of City, said that the move would put more pressure on the players and made fun of the “big brain guys” who make these kinds of decisions.

Varane, who plays for the other team in Manchester, agreed with Guardiola when he said that players were not being listened to.

“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,” the Frenchman posted on social media.

“Despite our previous feedbacks, 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 percent to our club and fans. Why are our opinions not being heard?”

Varane quit international football earlier this year at the age of 29. He said that playing at the top level was like being in a washing machine cycle.

The new rules about added time are meant to stop people from wasting time and give players more time to play.

But the effects of the extra time on players over time have already been pointed out by the global union FIFPRO. Earlier this year, they said that the changes would be the same as up to three extra games per season for the players who already play the most.

Photo by EPA/Adam Vaughan