FIFA issues statement on upcoming ‘blue card’ rule change

News of the new blue card surfaced on Thursday

On Thursday The Telegraph revealed that the International Football Association Board (Ifab) had opted to introduce a brand new blue card.

This will be the first time a new card has been introduced since the yellow and red cards at the 1970 World Cup.

FIFA play down reports of blue card changes

The news of the blue card sparked plenty of backlash amongst football fans however FIFA have been keen to stress that it will take a while before it is introduced to elite-level football.

A statement from the world governing body said: "FIFA wishes to clarify that reports of the so-called ‘blue card’ at elite levels of football are incorrect and premature.

"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 2 March."

For now, the trials will be implemented at a lower level and if proved to be successful, blue cards and sin bins could be brought in to Premier League games.

What is a sin bin?

The dictionary definition states that a sin bin is: “an area off the field of play where a player who has committed a foul can be sent to sit for a specified period.”

It’s commonly used in sports such as hockey and rugby and allows officials to send off players for 10 minutes to give the team of that individual a numerical disadvantage for a brief period of the game.

What could a sin bin be given for?

Sin bins will most likely be given for acts of dissent or tactical fouls. 

This may be when a player argues with a referee or commits a cynical foul that was deserves to be punished but isn’t enough to warrant a red card.

One example of when a sin bin would be awarded under the new rules was Giorgio Chiellini’s foul on Bukayo Saka in the Euro 2020 final.

Chiellini deliberately pulled on Saka’s shirt to stop him using his pace to get away from the veteran, potentially saving Italy from a goal threat.

Although it wasn’t bad enough to deserve a red, a sin bin would’ve been awarded, giving an Italy a one-man disadvantage for 10 minutes.

Two blue cards in red game will officially be classed as a red card while one yellow and one blue will also warrant a sending off.

According to The Times, the Football Association will consider trialling them in the FA Cup and Women’s FA Cup next season.

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