The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) is reportedly contemplating a new rule regarding yellow card suspensions for the upcoming World Cup. According to the BBC, yellow cards may no longer just reset after the quarter-finals, as is currently the case, but could also expire after the group stage. The primary objective behind this proposed change is to mitigate the risk of key players facing suspensions during pivotal matches.
This potential adjustment stems from the new tournament format, which will feature 48 teams and include an additional knockout round. With the quarter-finals representing the sixth match for each team, accumulating two yellow cards within this period would currently result in a suspension.
Will Yellow Card Suspensions Be Reduced at the World Cup?
Instead of increasing the threshold for a suspension to three yellow cards, the BBC suggests that dividing the accumulation into two phases is considered a fairer approach. Specifically, a player would incur a suspension if they receive two yellow cards in either the first three group stage matches, or two yellow cards from the round of 32 through to the quarter-finals.
This matter is scheduled for discussion when the FIFA Council convenes on Tuesday in Vancouver, Canada.