FIFA backtracks on introduction of blue card in football

The world football governing body FIFA has refuted viral reports about the imminent introduction of a blue card at the elite level of football, terming the claims “incorrect and premature”.

In a tweet on Friday, FIFA said the football lawmaking body, IFAB, will have to discuss the blue card issue during its upcoming annual general meeting on March 2 in Glasgow.

“FIFA wishes to clarify that reports of the so-called ‘blue card’ at elite levels of football are incorrect and premature,” the tweet said.

“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 2 March,” it added.

FIFA first approved the testing of blue cards at professional football level at its annual business meeting in November.

However, this excluded top tier competitions like Premier League, La Liga and others.

A blue card could get a player removed from the pitch for 10 minutes and placed in sin-bins. Two blue cards or a blue card and a yellow card equalled a red card and could get a player removed from the game.

The new protocol aimed to limit fouls, prevent dissent and unruly behaviour among players.

However, there are concerns that the blue card might bring in more confusion as referees could find it difficult choosing whether to issue a blue card or a red card for a foul.

Upon its introduction, the blue card would be the first card introduced in football since the yellow and red cards were first used at the 1970 World Cup.

Mimi Mefo Info