IFAB to introduce sin bins with blue card trial

IFAB to unveil blue card trial in professional football for player conduct.

The IFAB has announced the introduction of a blue card to address dissent and other offenses a little below the red card territory. (Photo credit: GOAL)

As part of the professional football industry's trial of sin bins, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) is expected to unveil a new blue card on Friday. Numerous news outlets have been informed by sources.

Three months ago, football lawmakers unveiled plans to enhance player conduct and foster greater respect for referees. Among the ideas were brief suspensions for tactical infractions and criticism.

Since 2019–20, lower division football teams have successfully implemented sin bins, requiring players to leave the pitch for ten minutes if they disrespect an official.

The new higher-level football experiment, anticipated to run for at least a year, will cover instances where a player deliberately removes an opponent from an attacking position without requiring a red card.

One such instance occurred when Arsenal and England winger Bukayo Saka broke away in the Euro 2020 final and the Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini hauled him down by the scruff of his neck.

Since the 2019–20 season, 31 leagues in England's grassroots football, which has a particular issue with player abuse of referees, have used the yellow card as a means of disciplining infractions. To stand out to players, coaches, and supporters, the IFAB chose blue as their color.

Spectators in elite competitions such as the English Premier League, Spanish La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, Euro 2024, or the Copa America will not see the blue card. Nevertheless, the trial period during the following season will not be allowed at the highest level, and it will not be allowed to enter the Laws of the Game until 2026–2027 at the earliest.

In fact, there have been several trials in lesser leagues in the past to address disagreement—for example, extending the free kick forward by ten yards—that have not been included in the laws.