Crewe Alexandra FC's manager, Lee Bell, fears professional footballers will be pushed to "breaking point" by new rule changes - making all matches run longer.

Following on from the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022, referees have been instructed to add much more time at the end of each half to compensate for interruptions to play in the 2023/24 season.

During Crewe's 2-2 draw with Mansfield (August 5), eight minutes were played at the end of the first half, with nine minutes added on to the second half of the encounter.

During Crewe's 2-2 draw with Mansfield (August 5), eight minutes were played at the end of the first half, with nine minutes added on to the second half (Ryan Parker).

Goals from Mickey Demetriou (32) and Rio Adebisi (60), secured a point for the Alex on the opening day, after trailing 2-0 inside the first 26 minutes.

A similar pattern with additional time was seen right across the EFL and Community Shield, with the same rules set to operate in the Premier League.

Alex boss, Bell, is concerned the extra physical demand will take a toll on all players across the campaign.

He told Crewe Alexandra's website: "We went to a meeting with all the managers a couple of weeks ago and they explained it to us.

Crewe Alex manager, Lee Bell, is concerned with the extra physical demand the added minutes will cause across the campaign (Crewe Alex).

"I understand why they are doing it, but I hope they see some sense. 

"Footballers are already running record distances because they are fitter than they have ever been.

"Now we are asking them to continue for an extra half-an-hour or so.

"You can't even manage games because you've no idea how long the game is anymore.

Crewe Alexandra will play Sunderland A.F.C at Stadium of Light on Tuesday 8 August in the Carabao Cup first round (Wikimedia Commons).

"I just think there will come a point when the players will break, it's far too long."

NEXT UP: Crewe Alexandra face a trip to Championship side, Sunderland A.F.C, in the Carabao Cup first round (August 8).

READ MORE: Cheshire East votes to cut library opening hours across entire borough.

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