Football Rulemakers to Introduce Sin-Bin and Blue Cards for Dissent and Cynical Fouls

Footballers could soon face new disciplinary measures as the International Football Association Board (Ifab) plans to introduce sin-bins and blue cards for dissent and cynical fouls. In an effort to improve player behavior, the addition of a blue card alongside yellow and red cards would lead to a player’s temporary dismissal for 10 minutes. Moreover, If a player receives another blue card after returning from the sin-bin, they would be shown a red card and permanently expelled from the game. Combining a blue and yellow card would also result in a red card. The trial of these measures is set to be announced by Ifab on Friday, with trials to follow in various competitions.

Concerns over participant behavior on the field contributing to altercations and incidents in grassroots sport have prompted these changes. Rules prohibiting players from confronting referees already exist, but stricter enforcement and increased financial penalties were implemented across English football this season. The sin-bin trials, initially successful in grassroots competitions, could soon be introduced at senior levels.

While the Football Association (FA) is supportive of the innovation and the potential introduction of sin-bins in multimillionaire-laden matches, Uefa has expressed opposition. Uefa president Alexander Ceferin has referred to sin-bins as “the death of football.” Critics, including Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou, have called for the idea to be discarded completely, claiming it unnecessarily interferes with the game.

However, FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham, a member of Ifab, defends the sin-bin system, citing its success in preventing misconduct at the grassroots level. He hopes that the introduction of sin-bins in professional football would yield similar results. Although the trials have not been authorized for top-level competitions, including the Premier League, Ifab’s proposal could potentially be implemented and tested in the FA Cup.

Previous sin-bin trials have taken place in Wales and other grassroots competitions. Pierluigi Collina, chairman of the FIFA referees committee and a member of Ifab’s technical subcommittee, has described the grassroots trials as very successful. Professional football is very likely to be involved in the proposed trials.

This announcement comes on the heels of the Premier League’s admission that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system is in need of improvement. The lack of clear communication and excessive VAR checks have negatively affected the overall experience for fans in stadiums. Tony Scholes, the league’s chief football officer, believes changes must be made to enhance supporter enjoyment of the game.