FIFA plans to suggest a new rule that would require injured players to stay off the field for one minute after receiving medical treatment. The goal is to stop time-wasting, reduce interruptions and improve the flow of matches. According to the reports, the idea will be discussed at the Annual General Meeting of International Football Association Board (IFAB) on Saturday. If IFAB agrees, the rule will become part of football’s official Laws of the Game worldwide.&nbsp;At the moment, the Laws of the Game do not say how long a player must stay off the field after the medical treatment. This means different leagues can create their own rules. For example, the Premier League has used a 30-second rule since the 2023-24 season.&nbsp;“Leagues have the right to set their own guidelines, with the Premier League adopting a 30-second rule since the 2023-24 season,” the BBC reported.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/-obviously-discriminating-ex-england-csk-player-on-pak-players-facing-shadow-ban-by-ipl-linked-team-at-hundred-1771918268434">'Obviously discriminating': Ex-England &amp; CSK player Moeen Ali on Pak players facing shadow ban by IPL-linked teams in Hundred</a>&nbsp;FIFA also conducted trials during the Arab Cup in December, where injured players had to stay off the field for two minutes. FIFA’s head of referees, Pierluigi Collina, said the trial was meant to cut down on time-wasting and to speed up the game.&nbsp;In January, IFAB members agreed that a fixed time should be added to the rules, but they debated how long it should be. The original two-minute idea faced strong criticism, so officials suggested a shorter, one-minute period instead.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/winter-olympics-2026-gold-medallist-usa-women-s-hockey-team-declines-president-trump-s-invitation-to-white-house-1771902004647">Winter Olympics | USA Women's hockey team says no to Trump's invitation to WH</a>&nbsp;The proposed one-minute rule is similar to the system used in Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States. In MLS, players who stay on the ground for more than 15 seconds and need medical help must leave the field.&nbsp;

FIFA also conducted trials during the Arab Cup in December, where injured players had to stay off the field for two minutes.

FIFA plans to suggest a new rule that would require injured players to stay off the field for one minute after receiving medical treatment. The goal is to stop time-wasting, reduce interruptions and improve the flow of matches. According to the reports, the idea will be discussed at the Annual General Meeting of International Football Association Board (IFAB) on Saturday. If IFAB agrees, the rule will become part of football’s official Laws of the Game worldwide. At the moment, the Laws of the Game do not say how long a player must stay off the field after the medical treatment. This means different leagues can create their own rules. For example, the Premier League has used a 30-second rule since the 2023-24 season. “Leagues have the right to set their own guidelines, with the Premier League adopting a 30-second rule since the 2023-24 season,” the BBC reported. Also Read - 'Obviously discriminating': Ex-England & CSK player Moeen Ali on Pak players facing shadow ban by IPL-linked teams in Hundred FIFA also conducted trials during the Arab Cup in December, where injured players had to stay off the field for two minutes. FIFA’s head of referees, Pierluigi Collina, said the trial was meant to cut down on time-wasting and to speed up the game. In January, IFAB members agreed that a fixed time should be added to the rules, but they debated how long it should be. The original two-minute idea faced strong criticism, so officials suggested a shorter, one-minute period instead. Also Read - Winter Olympics | USA Women's hockey team says no to Trump's invitation to WH The proposed one-minute rule is similar to the system used in Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States. In MLS, players who stay on the ground for more than 15 seconds and need medical help must leave the field.

FIFA also conducted trials during the Arab Cup in December, where injured players had to stay off the field for two minutes.

FIFA proposes rule change for injured players, details inside

Football could be set for a major change in the coming days after the International Football Association Board (IFAB) announced on Friday (Feb 8) the introduction of blue cards. The IFAB, football’s lawmakers body will trail the new concept which has been in use at the grassroots level for dissent but could be extended to cynical fouls. While a similar concept is already used in hockey as part of the sin-bin, here we decode how the blue cards will be used and what effect it could have on the current system.

<h2>How current system works</h2>

Currently, using a two-colour card system, the severity of the foul or breach of code or foul determines the colour of the card. A player receives a yellow card for dissent non-serious fouls or breaking the flow of play when the opposition team is in control of play. There can be several other incidents where the referee can book a player with a yellow card&nbsp;like removing a T-shirt without permission or excess celebration after goal. However, upon receiving a yellow card a player still stays on the field.

A red card is usually issued when a player is deemed to have made a serious injury-causing foul or denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity. A player can also receive a red card if he or she has been deemed of violent conduct like spitting at an opposition player or physically abusing a player, fan or ball boy.

A red card is also issued if he or she receives a second yellow card in the same match. The referees also have the right to show red cards if they feel of more serious cases other than the ones mentioned above. Upon receiving the red card the concerned player has to leave the field and is not part of the bench anymore and not allowed to sit in the team dugout.

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<h2>What are blue cards and how will they work?</h2>

Cautions are served in football for serious fouls or breaches of the code of player conduct or serious foul play and the punishment of the same is directed by the nature of the card shown. However, incidents that are serious but not in the territory of second yellow cards (resulting in a red card) or a player who shows dissent on the field could be issued a blue card.

This will result in the player serving a 10-minute suspension and will return to the field post serving punishment. Currently, this system is similar to the sin-bin in hockey where players receive green, yellow and red cards and serve timeout of two, five and ten minutes respectively.

<h2>Effects of the blue card&nbsp;introduction&nbsp;</h2>

As things stand, red cards remain the highest order of punishment which results in a one, three or more match suspension for the player. Yellow cards remain the second-highest order of punishment and could result in a ban for the player after picking up several during the course of the season. Blue cards are likely to replace yellow cards as the second-highest order of punishment as the player is temporarily sent off rather than being on the field despite receiving a card.

Since&nbsp;blue cards (sin-bin) were introduced partially in 2018, Football Association (FA) has reported a total of 38 per cent reduction in dissent cases. If this is the same, player’s discipline on the field towards officials and opposition players is expected to improve.

It is also expected that more cynical tackles that are not in range of red cards but more serious than&nbsp;yellow card offences could result in blue cards. This will also help the player avoid a three-match ban for a serious foul. However, being a more serious case than a yellow card, a player could still end up serving a ban after picking a blue card.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-shreyas-iyer-doubtful-for-rajkot-test-as-injury-woes-mount-for-india-688584">IND vs ENG: Shreyas Iyer doubtful for Rajkot Test as injury woes mount for India</a>

<h2>When could blue cards be introduced?</h2>

Still, under trial, the blue cards will only be implemented when there is a good response with less criticism of the system. IFAB’s implementation of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) also received a lot of backlash at the start but was eventually accepted after a lot of criticism.

The English FA will be cautious of circumstances that had arisen during the implementation of the VAR in the Premier League. The FA could use the blue cards first in the League Cup and the FA Cup before implementing them in the Premier League.

Football could be set for a major change in the coming days after the International Football Association Board (IFAB) announced on Friday (Feb 8) the introduction of blue cards.

Football could be set for a major change in the coming days after the International Football Association Board (IFAB) announced on Friday (Feb 8) the introduction of blue cards. The IFAB, football’s lawmakers body will trail the new concept which has been in use at the grassroots level for dissent but could be extended to cynical fouls. While a similar concept is already used in hockey as part of the sin-bin, here we decode how the blue cards will be used and what effect it could have on the current system. How current system works Currently, using a two-colour card system, the severity of the foul or breach of code or foul determines the colour of the card. A player receives a yellow card for dissent non-serious fouls or breaking the flow of play when the opposition team is in control of play. There can be several other incidents where the referee can book a player with a yellow card like removing a T-shirt without permission or excess celebration after goal. However, upon receiving a yellow card a player still stays on the field. A red card is usually issued when a player is deemed to have made a serious injury-causing foul or denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity. A player can also receive a red card if he or she has been deemed of violent conduct like spitting at an opposition player or physically abusing a player, fan or ball boy. A red card is also issued if he or she receives a second yellow card in the same match. The referees also have the right to show red cards if they feel of more serious cases other than the ones mentioned above. Upon receiving the red card the concerned player has to leave the field and is not part of the bench anymore and not allowed to sit in the team dugout. ALSO READ | Golf: Bankers warn Saudis of facing possible prison time for aiding PGA-LIV probe What are blue cards and how will they work? Cautions are served in football for serious fouls or breaches of the code of player conduct or serious foul play and the punishment of the same is directed by the nature of the card shown. However, incidents that are serious but not in the territory of second yellow cards (resulting in a red card) or a player who shows dissent on the field could be issued a blue card. This will result in the player serving a 10-minute suspension and will return to the field post serving punishment. Currently, this system is similar to the sin-bin in hockey where players receive green, yellow and red cards and serve timeout of two, five and ten minutes respectively. Effects of the blue card introduction As things stand, red cards remain the highest order of punishment which results in a one, three or more match suspension for the player. Yellow cards remain the second-highest order of punishment and could result in a ban for the player after picking up several during the course of the season. Blue cards are likely to replace yellow cards as the second-highest order of punishment as the player is temporarily sent off rather than being on the field despite receiving a card. Since blue cards (sin-bin) were introduced partially in 2018, Football Association (FA) has reported a total of 38 per cent reduction in dissent cases. If this is the same, player’s discipline on the field towards officials and opposition players is expected to improve. It is also expected that more cynical tackles that are not in range of red cards but more serious than yellow card offences could result in blue cards. This will also help the player avoid a three-match ban for a serious foul. However, being a more serious case than a yellow card, a player could still end up serving a ban after picking a blue card. ALSO READ | IND vs ENG: Shreyas Iyer doubtful for Rajkot Test as injury woes mount for India When could blue cards be introduced? Still, under trial, the blue cards will only be implemented when there is a good response with less criticism of the system. IFAB’s implementation of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) also received a lot of backlash at the start but was eventually accepted after a lot of criticism. The English FA will be cautious of circumstances that had arisen during the implementation of the VAR in the Premier League. The FA could use the blue cards first in the League Cup and the FA Cup before implementing them in the Premier League.

EXPLAINED: What is blue card rule to be introduced in football and how will it work?

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou led a chorus of disapproval on Friday over a controversial proposal to introduce blue cards and sin bins.

It has been reported that blue cards will be shown to players, who would be sent to a 'sin-bin' for 10 minutes, as part of a new trial aimed at improving on-pitch behaviour.

At present, players shown a red card or two yellow cards are expelled for the rest of the game.

Sin bins have been used at grassroots level in England for dissent, but the trial could also include cynical fouls.

Reports say that football's lawmakers IFAB have delayed releasing information about the proposed trial following talks with world governing body FIFA.

It is understood that the trial phase will not take place in top-level football to avoid players being in competitions with different rules concurrently.

But Klopp was among several Premier League managers to express concerns about the proposal.&nbsp;

"I think everything what the actual situation shows is we should keep it as simple as somehow possible, for the referees as well," the German said Friday.

"It's a difficult job. I think the introduction of a blue card would just give more opportunities to fail as well.

"The discussion will be: 'It was a blue card, should it have been a yellow card? Now it's 10 minutes off. In the good old times it would have been a red card or only a yellow'.

"It doesn't sound like a fantastic idea in the first moment but actually I can't remember the last fantastic idea (which) came from these guys, if they ever had one. I am 56 and, pah, never."

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Postecoglou said the plan could be another misstep by football's authorities after the controversial introduction of the widely criticised VAR system.

"I don't think people will be surprised by my thoughts on it. I struggle to understand this urgency all of a sudden to bring in new things," he said.

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"I don't know if there's that much wrong with the game as I see it. My biggest issue with the game right now is that VAR has changed the experience, whether you're a player, a manager or a supporter.

"Beyond that, I don't know why a different colour card is going to make any difference."

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta called for the proposals to be rigorously tested before blue cards are given the green light.

"We've got a lot going on with decisions, with technology. I don't know if we are ready for that yet," he said.

"Who knows (if it is a good idea). Hopefully it's going to be tested very well before they introduce it at this level."

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou led a chorus of disapproval on Friday over a controversial proposal to introduce blue cards and sin bins.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou led a chorus of disapproval on Friday over a controversial proposal to introduce blue cards and sin bins. It has been reported that blue cards will be shown to players, who would be sent to a 'sin-bin' for 10 minutes, as part of a new trial aimed at improving on-pitch behaviour. At present, players shown a red card or two yellow cards are expelled for the rest of the game. Sin bins have been used at grassroots level in England for dissent, but the trial could also include cynical fouls. Reports say that football's lawmakers IFAB have delayed releasing information about the proposed trial following talks with world governing body FIFA. It is understood that the trial phase will not take place in top-level football to avoid players being in competitions with different rules concurrently. But Klopp was among several Premier League managers to express concerns about the proposal. "I think everything what the actual situation shows is we should keep it as simple as somehow possible, for the referees as well," the German said Friday. "It's a difficult job. I think the introduction of a blue card would just give more opportunities to fail as well. "The discussion will be: 'It was a blue card, should it have been a yellow card? Now it's 10 minutes off. In the good old times it would have been a red card or only a yellow'. "It doesn't sound like a fantastic idea in the first moment but actually I can't remember the last fantastic idea (which) came from these guys, if they ever had one. I am 56 and, pah, never." × Postecoglou said the plan could be another misstep by football's authorities after the controversial introduction of the widely criticised VAR system. "I don't think people will be surprised by my thoughts on it. I struggle to understand this urgency all of a sudden to bring in new things," he said. ALSO READ | Golf: Bankers warn Saudis of facing possible prison time for aiding PGA-LIV probe "I don't know if there's that much wrong with the game as I see it. My biggest issue with the game right now is that VAR has changed the experience, whether you're a player, a manager or a supporter. "Beyond that, I don't know why a different colour card is going to make any difference." Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta called for the proposals to be rigorously tested before blue cards are given the green light. "We've got a lot going on with decisions, with technology. I don't know if we are ready for that yet," he said. "Who knows (if it is a good idea). Hopefully it's going to be tested very well before they introduce it at this level."

Premier League: Bosses unconvinced by 'blue card' plan after IFAB sets for trail

Soccer's rule-making body IFAB is to look at ways of providing more information during matches about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/english-premier-league-promises-to-improve-and-speed-up-var-use-262258">Video Assistant Referee</a> (VAR) decisions, it said following a meeting on Tuesday.

The use of VAR, match officials who use technology to review certain decisions made by the referee, has been surrounded by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/var-system-has-made-four-errors-in-premier-league-referees-chief-249386">controversy</a> over the last few months.

Some fans say the system goes far beyond its original remit, which involved only reviewing the most glaring mistakes,&nbsp;and that decisions are <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-organisers-satisfied-with-use-of-var-despite-lengthy-delays-230565">taking too long</a>.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) said in a statement that its members had agreed to "explore different communication options to improve the understanding of the decision-making process".

It recognised that there was a "growing demand for more immediate information about the referee’s final decisions after a VAR-review."

In some leagues where VAR is used, screens in the stadium indicate that a VAR review is taking place and then relay the decision but with only minimal information such as "No goal".

There have been several cases where a goal has been officially announced in the stadium, the players have celebrated and the ball is back in the centre circle ready for kickoff only for a VAR review to take place.

Napoli coach Carlo Ancelotti complained recently that it was often difficult to know whether the VAR or the pitch referee was in charge of a match.

IFAB said the meeting received "positive feedback" on the changes to the laws, including a handball rule, which were introduced in June, even though, like VAR, this has been subject to much criticism.

It also agreed to set up an "expert group" to look into whether the rules need to be changed to allow for better treatment for players who suffer concussion.

The group will look a new ways of assessing concussion during a match and how to deal with it, "taking into consideration all potential resulting consequences, with player safety at the forefront".

At present, referees must stop the match in cases of suspected concussion to allow the examination of the injured player who can only return to the game with permission from the team doctor.

However, world players' union FIFPro says this does not go far enough. It wants players to be looked at by a neutral doctor and temporary substitutions to be allowed for up to 10 minutes while the examination takes place.

IFAB's annual general meeting on February&nbsp;29 will decide which proposals will be incorporated into the rules.

Soccer's rule-making body IFAB is to look at ways of providing more information during matches about Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decisions, it said following a meeting on Tuesday.

Soccer's rule-making body IFAB is to look at ways of providing more information during matches about Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decisions, it said following a meeting on Tuesday. The use of VAR, match officials who use technology to review certain decisions made by the referee, has been surrounded by controversy over the last few months. Some fans say the system goes far beyond its original remit, which involved only reviewing the most glaring mistakes, and that decisions are taking too long. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) said in a statement that its members had agreed to "explore different communication options to improve the understanding of the decision-making process". It recognised that there was a "growing demand for more immediate information about the referee’s final decisions after a VAR-review." In some leagues where VAR is used, screens in the stadium indicate that a VAR review is taking place and then relay the decision but with only minimal information such as "No goal". There have been several cases where a goal has been officially announced in the stadium, the players have celebrated and the ball is back in the centre circle ready for kickoff only for a VAR review to take place. Napoli coach Carlo Ancelotti complained recently that it was often difficult to know whether the VAR or the pitch referee was in charge of a match. IFAB said the meeting received "positive feedback" on the changes to the laws, including a handball rule, which were introduced in June, even though, like VAR, this has been subject to much criticism. It also agreed to set up an "expert group" to look into whether the rules need to be changed to allow for better treatment for players who suffer concussion. The group will look a new ways of assessing concussion during a match and how to deal with it, "taking into consideration all potential resulting consequences, with player safety at the forefront". At present, referees must stop the match in cases of suspected concussion to allow the examination of the injured player who can only return to the game with permission from the team doctor. However, world players' union FIFPro says this does not go far enough. It wants players to be looked at by a neutral doctor and temporary substitutions to be allowed for up to 10 minutes while the examination takes place. IFAB's annual general meeting on February 29 will decide which proposals will be incorporated into the rules.

Football: Rule-makers look at ways of providing more information about VAR decisions

Teams progressing to the latter stages of the FA Cup next season will be allowed to field a fourth substitute in extra time, the English Football Association (FA) announced today. 
 
The International Football Association Board (IFAB), the game&#39;s law-making body, is carrying out a global study into a proposal for teams to make a fourth replacement during extra time.&nbsp;The FA said as a trial for the study it would introduce the innovation for the quarter finals, semi-finals and final of the FA Cup, subject to IFAB approval. 
 
If the FA gets the go-ahead from the IFAB, clubs that have used three substitutes from the seven players named on their bench during the tournament&#39;s final three rounds will be allowed to introduce a fourth player in extra time. The format was first used in this year&#39;s Copa America. 
 
&quot;With the cup now adopting a straight knockout format from the quarter-finals onwards, the introduction of a fourth substitute in extra time will bring extra intrigue and interest,&quot; FA chief executive Martin Glenn told the governing body&#39;s website. 
 
&quot;Also, from a technical point of view, it will be interesting to see how managers use the chance to make an additional substitution in such high-profile games and the impact it has on the final result. Player welfare and being mindful of the number of games people play at the elite level has also been a consideration.&quot; 
 
The FA Cup begins on August 5, with the final at Wembley in May 2017. 
 
(Reuters)

As a trial, the innovation would be introduced for quarter finals, semi-finals and FA Cup final, subject to IFAB approval

Teams progressing to the latter stages of the FA Cup next season will be allowed to field a fourth substitute in extra time, the English Football Association (FA) announced today. The International Football Association Board (IFAB), the game's law-making body, is carrying out a global study into a proposal for teams to make a fourth replacement during extra time. The FA said as a trial for the study it would introduce the innovation for the quarter finals, semi-finals and final of the FA Cup, subject to IFAB approval. If the FA gets the go-ahead from the IFAB, clubs that have used three substitutes from the seven players named on their bench during the tournament's final three rounds will be allowed to introduce a fourth player in extra time. The format was first used in this year's Copa America. "With the cup now adopting a straight knockout format from the quarter-finals onwards, the introduction of a fourth substitute in extra time will bring extra intrigue and interest," FA chief executive Martin Glenn told the governing body's website. "Also, from a technical point of view, it will be interesting to see how managers use the chance to make an additional substitution in such high-profile games and the impact it has on the final result. Player welfare and being mindful of the number of games people play at the elite level has also been a consideration." The FA Cup begins on August 5, with the final at Wembley in May 2017. (Reuters)

FA Cup to allow fourth substitute in extra time to bring 'extra intrigue'