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FIFA considers new yellow card amnesty system for expanded World Cup
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
FIFA is exploring a change to its disciplinary rules for the expanded World Cup, aiming to reduce player suspensions due to accumulated yellow cards. The proposal, reported by BBC Sport, would introduce two amnesty points: one after the group stage and another after the quarter-finals, clearing all prior yellow cards. Currently, players are suspended after two yellow cards across matches. With the World Cup expanding from 32 to 48 teams, increasing the number of matches before the semi-finals, FIFA believes the current system heightens the risk of players missing crucial games for minor offenses. Instead of raising the suspension threshold to three yellow cards, FIFA officials favor the two cut-off points as a fairer solution. This adjustment aims to maintain discipline while ensuring major matches are less affected by the absence of key players due to cautions. The FIFA Council is expected to discuss and potentially decide on this rule change at an upcoming meeting.
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