Ifab Scraps Sin-Bins and Blue Cards, Focuses on Player Behavior Improvements

The International Football Association Board (Ifab) has opted against expanding the trial of sin-bins or introducing blue cards in elite football, following opposition from various Premier League managers. However, Ifab has outlined plans to test new rules aimed at enhancing player behavior.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino ruled out the introduction of blue cards in elite football during a meeting on Friday, responding to criticism from Premier League managers, including Ange Postecoglou of Tottenham, Jurgen Klopp of Liverpool, and Eddie Howe of Newcastle.

While the idea of temporary dismissals with blue cards faced resistance, Ifab emphasized its commitment to refining guidelines at grassroots levels, where sin-bins have been trialed in small-sided football.

“Any potential wider application will only be considered once the impact of these changes has been reviewed,” stated an Ifab statement following their annual general meeting on Saturday.

The original proposal for temporary dismissals involved players receiving blue cards for dissent and tactical fouls, resulting in a 10-minute period off the pitch. However, the Premier League managers expressed concerns about the potential impact on the game.

Instead of implementing sin-bins and blue cards, Ifab announced trials for improving player behavior in domestic competitions below the top two divisions in England. These include measures such as restricting only the team captain to approach the referee in specific situations, introducing cooling-off periods for referees to manage team behavior, and extending the time limit for goalkeepers holding the ball from six to eight seconds.

Additionally, Ifab confirmed that a law allowing for additional permanent concussion substitutes will be effective from July 1, though individual competition organizers will decide whether to implement it. This protocol, approved by Ifab in 2020, permits permanent substitutions in case of head injuries, even if all replacements have been utilized.

Furthermore, referees will announce the outcome of video assistant referee (VAR) reviews at the upcoming Olympics in Paris, following a successful implementation at the 2023 Women’s World Cup. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and communication regarding VAR decisions to both stadium audiences and viewers at home.