Video: Brazilian footballers stage sit-down pitch protest Brazilian players launched another wave of protest against the national football federation over the weekend, sitting on the field and crossing their arms before league matches to demand changes to the country's packed football calendar. The 22 players in matches on Saturday and Sunday sat on the ground for about 30 seconds before kickoff to attract more attention to the movement "Common Sense FC," which is seeking a more organised calendar to benefit players, teams and fans. In one of the matches, players knelt down instead of sitting, and in another fans joined in the protest with chants against the federation. Two weeks ago players crossed their arms for several moments after the initial whistle, and in a previous game they huddled at midfield before kickoff. Players in one of the matches two weeks ago defiantly kicked the ball back and forth from one team to the other after the referee threatened to give yellow cards to all players on the field. The movement's leaders, which include some of the country's top players, say they will not stop protesting until they see that the federation is committed to making changes in the coming years. They argue that a season with teams playing fewer matches will lead to improved quality on the field and increased attendance. The players' demands include adequate vacation time, longer preseasons and giving players more influence in major decisions. They also want punishment for clubs that don't pay salaries on time and complain of the influence of television rights holders. The Brazilian federation, or CBF, said on its website that it is working on actions that will attend to the players' demands. Both parts agree that calendar changes will be difficult for next year because of the World Cup, but players have said that solutions for the 2015 season must be discussed now.