Blue cards must be DESTROYED… but the sin bins are still on the table in a huge rule change

BLUE cards look like they will yield a RED card on Saturday, but sin bins WILL be tried.

The proposal for a third card for dissent offenses and cynical “anti-football action” offenses caused global controversy when it emerged last month.

The idea of introducing a blue card is droppedCredit: AFP

Blue cards would be used to deter 'anti-football action' offences — Blue cards would be used to deter ‘anti-football action’ offencesCredit: AP

Shocked lawmakers on the International FA Board then backed away from a planned unveiling of the idea.

And at Ifab’s annual general meeting in Loch Lomond on Saturday, the blue card plan is now expected to be rejected.

However, sin-bins remain on the table with a global process that will almost certainly be sanctioned for dissent – starting at the semi-professional level.

However, it is less clear whether the proposed trial would also lead to sin bins for deliberate cynical break-stopping violations – FIFA chief Pierluigi Collina highlighted the fact that Giorgio Chiellini scraped Bukayo Saka by the back of the collar of his shirt . the Euro 2020 final – will be approved.

That option is likely to be the most discussed at the meeting, which will feature four FIFA representatives, including Arsene Wenger and president Gianni Infantino, and one from each of the four Home Nations.

But the alternative would be to require referees to suppress dissent by warning any player who abuses them, rather than leaving it to their discretion.

An attempt, led by Collina, to expand the scope of VAR to include corners, free kicks and second yellow cards is less likely to receive support.

Some Ifab members worry that VAR is causing enough controversy without adding further complications that could cause even more backlash.

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And there has been a revision to the idea that wasting time by goalkeepers – holding the ball for much longer than the allowed six seconds – should be punished by awarding a corner kick.

Although a stricter approach is expected by the referees, whereby a goalkeeper may be able to hold the ball for up to 10 seconds by extending the allowed time, this is now perceived as too severe a sanction.

Smiling Chiellini relives blatant foul on Saka in Euro 2020 final

Instead, the opposing team would receive the ball for a throw-in at the edge of the penalty area.

Ifab will also approve two planned changes to the law for next season.

All intentional handball violations by defenders in their own penalty area will be punished with dismissal from next season, while in penalty kicks the ball must hang above the center of the spot.