IFAB to introduce blue cards as part of trials of sin bins in professional football: Sources
IFAB to introduce blue cards for trials of sin bins in professional f'ball
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) is set tointroducea newcard, i.e. blue card on Friday (Feb 9) as part of trials of sin bins in professional football, sourcesconfirmed to ESPN. In Nov 2023, the football lawmakers felt the need to address player behaviour towards match officials,which included temporary dismissals for dissent and specific tactical offences.
It is to be noted that sin bins havealready beena successful addition in the lower levels of football since 2019-20, with players given the marching ordersto leavefor 10 minutes if they have been guilty of showing disrespect to an official.
Now, the new trial for higher-level football,expected to last for a yearat least, will comprisesituations where a player deliberately takes out an opponent in an attacking situation when a red card isn't warranted.
It is to be noted that the grassroots football in England, which has a particular problem with referee abuse from players, has been raising the yellow card to indicate the offence across 31 leagues since2019-20. However,IFAB insisted on a different colour to be distinct to players, coaches and supporters, and henceblue came on board.
The blue card, however, won't be visible in top level competitions such as the Premier League, La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, Euro 2024 or the Copa America. The trial over the course of next season won't be permitted at the very top level.It would be 2026-27 at the earliest before itmakes it to the Laws of the Game.
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Sources have told ESPN that there is not much backing for sin bins among the top leagues. Thus,the Football Association will not be testing it in competitions such as the Women's Super League and the FA Cup.
"FIFA wishes to clarify that reports of the so-called 'blue card' at elite levels of football are incorrect and premature," the sport's governing body said in a statement following Thursday's reports. "Any such trials, if implemented, should be limited to testing in a responsible manner at lower levels, a position that FIFA intends to reiterate when this agenda item is discussed at the IFAB AGM on 1 March," it added.