FIFA has addressed the rumors surrounding the potential trial of the ‘blue card’ at elite football levels. In a recent statement, FIFA clarified that reports suggesting the introduction of the ‘blue card’ in top-tier football are inaccurate and premature.
The international football governing body emphasized that any such trials, if considered, should be conducted responsibly and limited to testing at lower levels. FIFA intends to reaffirm this position during the discussion of this agenda item at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) scheduled for March 2, 2024.
IFAB, responsible for determining the Laws of the Game in association football, is reportedly considering the introduction of a blue card as part of sin-bin trials. The proposed blue card would result in players receiving ten-minute timeouts for cynical fouls or dissent towards match officials. Detailed protocols are expected to be published soon to address issues such as abuse towards officials and cynical fouls.
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The trial involving sin bins, including the use of blue cards, aims to enhance the protection of referees. The Football Association (FA) may test these measures in the upcoming men’s and women’s FA Cups, with IFAB reportedly planning to release comprehensive guidelines on the matter.
Notably, according to reports, the English Premier League is not expected to introduce the blue card during the 2024/25 season.