Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s president, decisively ended the brief flirtation with the idea of introducing blue cards in soccer. “Let me be clear — it’s a red card to the idea of ‘blue’ cards,” Infantino declared, rejecting the proposal before it could gain momentum. This statement came just as the sport’s rule-making body, IFAB, convened for its annual meeting.
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Despite not attending the post-meeting press conference and maintaining silence on various matters since FIFA began its selection process for future World Cup hosts, Infantino’s stance on blue cards was unequivocal. “There will not be any blue cards used at elite level,” he confirmed.
"No, there will not be any blue cards"
Gianni Infantino rules out using blue cards in professional football 🟦 pic.twitter.com/D1r9vmqg13
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 1, 2024
Substitution for injuries and other decisions by IFAB
In other decisions, IFAB moved to update laws to allow additional substitutions for suspected concussion injuries, a compromise to the ongoing debate over temporary substitutions for injury assessment. The body also reaffirmed its commitment to experimenting with Sin Bins in grassroots football.
Sin bins in football are a temporary timeout for players who break the rules in a minor way. If a player is sent to the Sin Bin, they have to leave the game for a short time, usually around 5 to 10 minutes. This helps keep the game fair without giving harsh penalties like red or yellow cards. IFAB aims to promote fair play, despite mixed reactions from Premier League coaches who fear it might encourage negative tactics.
To improve player behavior further, IFAB will allow only team captains to approach referees and introduce cooling-off periods. “It’s much better to get it right away from the pressures of the cameras and the fan,” said Mark Bullingham, CEO of the English soccer federation, highlighting the initiative’s intent to reduce on-field confrontations.
The IFAB, comprising FIFA and the four British soccer federations, also agreed to extend trials that let referees explain decisions post-video review, aiming to enhance in-stadium communication.
