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Peter McVitie

Blue cards in football?! Why revolutionary new colour is set to be trialed in first major change since 1970 World Cup

Blue cards are set to be introduced to football as part of a trial from the International Football Association Board (IFAB).

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  • Blue cards set to be trialed
  • Will mean temporary expulsion
  • Won't be used in the top-tier

  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    IFAB has approved the introduction of the new cards which is the first change of its kind since yellow and red cards were brought in at the 1970 World Cup, The Telegraph reports. The announcement will be made on Friday.

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    THE EXPLANATION

    Blue cards will be used as part of a sin-bin trial to send players off the field for 10 minutes for committing cynical fouls - infractions that prevent a promising attack - or dissent, the report says. Top-tier competitions will not be part of the trials, which could start next season, but cup competitions could be volunteered.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Sin bins have already been in use at grassroots level but will be added to the professional game as of next season. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has already spoken out against the idea, saying: "It’s not football anymore."

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    WHAT NEXT?

    IFAB will announce the trial of blue cards on Friday, with the trial expected to begin next season. The temporary banishments will not be used in the European Championship this summer or the 2024-25 Champions League.