FIFA is preparing to introduce a significant change to its yellow card suspension policy ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Under the proposed adjustment, players will have two amnesty points during the tournament. Yellow cards will be cleared after the group stage and again after the quarter finals. This is aimed at reducing the chances of key players missing important knockout matches due to suspension.
At present, any player who receives two yellow cards before or during the quarter finals faces a one match ban. With the competition expanding to 48 teams and adding an extra round of matches, officials believe the current rule could unfairly affect players in crucial stages.
The proposal will be discussed at a meeting of the FIFA Council in Vancouver. If approved, the new rule will take effect in time for the tournament to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The planned change highlights efforts within football to ensure disciplinary rules do not overshadow the quality and fairness of key matches as the World Cup continues to grow.
