Key Takeaways
- FIFA wants to wipe yellow cards after the group stage and quarter-finals
- The change helps players avoid bans during the new 48-team format
- Two yellow cards in either the group stage or knockout rounds will still cause a suspension
FIFA is preparing to change the rules for yellow cards at the next World Cup. The governing body plans to introduce a second amnesty period. This will clear all bookings after the group stage finishes.
Currently, players only get a fresh start after the quarter-finals. Under existing rules, a player receives a ban after two yellow cards. With the new 48-team format, teams must play six matches to reach the last eight. This creates a higher risk of suspensions for important games.
The expanded tournament includes an extra knockout round. FIFA fears many key players could miss semi-finals under current rules. The new system creates two separate periods where players must avoid two cautions. The first period covers the three group matches. The second period covers the round of 32, round of 16, and quarter-finals.
The FIFA Council will discuss this proposal in Vancouver on Tuesday. The threshold for a ban will remain at two yellow cards. However, the double amnesty reduces the risk of losing players for crucial late-stage matches.