The International Football Association Board (IFAB) is taking steps to address player misconduct towards match officials through the introduction of a new disciplinary tool: the blue card.
Set to be unveiled on Friday (Feb 9), the blue card is part of a new approach to trial sin bins in professional football, marking a significant shift in disciplinary measures.
Player behavior, particularly dissent, and tactical fouls, has raised concerns, leading IFAB to enforce temporary dismissals. While sin bins have been successful in lower-tier football since the 2019-20 season, their application to higher levels called for a distinct indicator hence the introduction of the blue card.
It’s important to note that this trial will not affect elite competitions like the Premier League, La Liga, UEFA Champions League, Euro 2024, or Copa America. Instead, it will focus on addressing issues prevalent in grassroots football, where abuse towards referees remains a significant concern.
Yellow cards have been used in grassroots leagues across England since 2019-20, but IFAB’s choice of a different color, the blue card, is aimed at bringing clarity for players, coaches, and spectators alike.
Although the blue card trial is set to commence for at least a year, its integration into the Laws of the Game isn’t expected until the 2026-27 season at the earliest.
