FIFA denies reports of blue card introduction in elite football

Recent reports suggesting the introduction of blue cards in major football competitions for the upcoming season have been dismissed by the world football governing body, FIFA.

Contrary to claims of an imminent trial, FIFA clarified that such proposals are premature and incorrect.

The Telegraph had reported expectations that the International Football Association Board (IFAB) would unveil plans for the introduction of blue cards into the sport, potentially starting from next season. It was speculated that while these cards might not be used in top-tier competitions, they could feature in tournaments like the FA Cup and League Cup if the Football Association (FA) chooses to include them in a trial.

However, FIFA rebuffed these claims, stating that blue cards would not be implemented in elite-level competitions. In a statement released on Thursday, FIFA emphasized that any potential trials should be conducted responsibly and limited to lower levels of the game.

"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 1 March."

The proposed trial would see referees empowered to issue blue cards for dissent and fouls aimed at stopping promising attacks, resulting in a temporary expulsion of players from the field for 10 minutes. While blue cards have already been introduced in grassroots football in some regions, their potential incorporation into professional football would signify a broader adoption of the 'sin-bin' regulation.

FIFA is expected to discuss the initiation of a blue card trial at the upcoming IFAB AGM on March 1st. However, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has voiced reservations, suggesting that such measures could alter the essence of football, stating, "It's not football anymore."