( CNN ) -- Less than a year before it stages the World Cup , Brazil is once again in the news for the wrong reasons . Brazilian football players protested Wednesday and said they could take more action -- possibly `` drastic measures '' -- if their confederation does n't make changes to the country 's overcrowded calendar . They want , among other things , more vacation time , longer preseasons , fewer games and a bigger voice in decision making . In some matches , the players crossed their arms before the opening whistle . In others they did so after the whistle blew . And in some instances , they passed the ball from one end of the field to the other after the referees threatened to give players yellow cards . Also in a game , players from both sides unfurled a banner in the middle of the pitch while the national anthem played . It read : `` For a football that is better for everyone . '' In a statement , Common Sense F.C . -- not a club but a movement symbolizing the changes the players want -- said on its Facebook page : `` If there are attempts to prevent players from expressing themselves in a peaceful way , drastic measures will be taken . `` We expect an official position followed by moves that will benefit Brazilian football . '' According to Brazilian media , the future measures could include players crossing their arms for a longer period of time , wearing red clown noses or even halting a game . There was no official reaction on Friday , which is a national holiday in Brazil . The protests came two weeks after a former professional football player was found decapitated in Rio de Janeiro .
Brazilian footballers cross their arms in order to protest against their decision . The players want changes made , like more vacation time and fewer injuries . If their demands are n't met , they say ` ` drastic measures '' could be taken . The protests are the latest black ##out for the country that hosts next year 's World Cup .