FIFA issue statement on 'blue card' rule change that could affect Everton and Liverpool
FIFA have issued a statement following news of the impending introduction of blue cards
FIFA have cleared up some confusion about the new 'blue card' rule that's been talked about over the last 24 hours.
The Telegraph had previously reported that the International Football Association Board (IFAB) had authorized the trial introduction of the new blue card. This is intended to impose a 10-minute time penalty on players if, for example, they have prevented a clear goalscoring opportunity through a minor foul or have verbally attacked officials.
However, football's world governing body has labelled media reports about the decision to test a blue card as 'incorrect and premature'. They said on social media: "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 2 March."
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This news will be a relief to many Premier League fans who weren't too keen on the idea. The introduction of blue cards could reduce cynical fouling in football. This is because the punishment might outweigh the benefit of stopping a counter-attack, unlike before when players would happily take a yellow card to prevent a potential goal.
Referees have been trying to control player dissent this season by issuing yellow cards for excessive protests. However, it's hoped that blue cards will completely eliminate such behaviour.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) is also set to announce that players who get two blue cards in a match will be given a red card. Also, a player will receive a red card if they get one blue and one yellow card.