FIFA to soften yellow card suspension rules at World Cup
FIFA is set to amend its yellow card suspension rules for the upcoming World Cup by introducing a second amnesty stage, according to dpa sources. The BBC also reported that the ruling body plans to scrap accumulated yellow cards after the group stage in addition to after the quarter-finals. The issue is said to be discussed at a FIFA Council meeting in Vancouver later on Tuesday.
In general, players are suspended for one match after picking up a second booking at a World Cup tournament. FIFA then introduced an amnesty after the quarter-finals to avoid cases like that of Germany captain Michael Ballack who missed the 2002 final because he received a second booking in the semi-finals. The second amnesty stage after the group stage is now to be introduced because the tournament has been expanded from 32 to 48 teams which requires an additional knock-out round, the round of 32.
This also reduces the likelihood of players being suspended for the semi-finals. The World Cup takes place June 11-July 19 in the United States, Mexico and Canada. FIFA is holding meetings in Vancouver this week, including its annual congress on Thursday.