The white card, which symbolizes the temporary removal of a player during a match, could be introduced in professional football from next season, following the recommendation of the International Football Association Board (IFAB).

White card and suspension in football – Tests from next season

This initiative is aimed at suppressing various disciplinary violations by players, reports AFP.

In 2017, the IFAB confirmed the introduction of temporary exclusions to ease potential on-field tensions and improve fair play in the amateur, youth, veteran or disabled categories, subject to the approval of each national federation and confederation.

In France, since 2018, in amateur competitions, a temporary suspension has been in effect, that is, a white card is shown to the guilty player, who is asked to leave and calm down for 10 minutes.

This measure does not currently apply to professional soccer, but that may change in the future.

IFAB board members also backed a proposal, which will be tested, that only the team captain can approach the referee in some game situations.

All these proposals will be considered at the annual General Assembly of the International Council of Football Associations, which will be held in Glasgow in March 2024, writes Agerpres.

You could get a white card for a tactical foul

“When we analyzed the issue of temporary withdrawal – and it is clear that we need to develop a protocol – we were interested in inappropriate behavior. But I also mentioned other reasons, especially tactical fouls.

The frustration for fans is huge when they see a promising counter-attack halted by a tactical foul, and the question of whether a yellow card is enough to punish them makes us wonder if a white card might not also be an option.” – Mark Bullinghama member of the IFAB Board of Directors and the Executive Director of the English Football Association (FA).

Pierluigi Collina, president of FIFA’s referees’ commission, which is part of the IFAB’s technical subcommittee, said a review of provisional suspensions in professional football could take place as early as next season, subject to approval by the court’s General Assembly in March.

“The tests proved convincing among amateurs. We are now talking about a much higher, very professional level. We need to develop something that works or is worthy of high-level football” – Pierluigi Collina.