Is a blue card coming?

“Bullshit!” Ilzer is against a revolution in the rules

Storm coach Christian Ilzer

(Bild: APA/ERWIN SCHERIAU)

With the idea of introducing a blue card as a time penalty, soccer's rule makers have once again sparked a discussion with the potential to cause a stir following the ongoing debates about the interpretation of handball and video referees. The first decision in this regard will be made in Glasgow on Saturday. The feedback from coaches so far has been predominantly negative. 

Jürgen Klopp (Liverpool), Mauricio Pochettino (Chelsea), Mikel Arteta (Arsenal), Angelos Postecoglou (Tottenham) and Eddie Howe (Newcastle) have nothing to gain from the blue card - and the Bundesliga coaches could also do without it.

Sturm Graz coach Christian Ilzer was on their wavelength. "The blue card is complete nonsense. This thing doesn't inspire me at all, you shouldn't artificially try to bring about changes. It doesn't help improve the game at all," explained the Styrian. "As a neutral spectator in front of the TV screen, I switch away for various reasons when a team is outnumbered."

Rapid coach Robert Klauß

(Bild: GEPA pictures, Photohop)

Rapid coach Robert Klauß expressed a similar opinion. "For me, that's not necessary. We already have enough complicated regulations." ÖFB sports director Peter Schöttel was also skeptical. "It reminds me of children's and youth soccer. When I was young, you would go out for ten minutes. Then you start warming up again after five minutes and everyone looks at the clock," said the long-serving Rapid defender. "Personally, I find it a bit difficult. I understand the idea of inserting an intermediate stage, but I find it hard to imagine."

ÖFB sports director Peter Schöttel

(Bild: Mario Urbantschitsch)

WSG Tirol coach Thomas Silberberger admitted that he had not yet looked into the matter in detail. Nevertheless, the Tyrolean is not fundamentally opposed to the possible innovation. "I don't think it's a stupid idea, but you have to work it out really well. You see time and time again in Bundesliga games what ten minutes in superior numbers can do, so it could be an exciting tool from that point of view."

That's what the blue card is for
Measures against pack formation and constant lamentation from coaches and players are also on the agenda. However, the blue card is attracting particular attention. This is intended to impose a time penalty on players if, for example, they have prevented a clear goalscoring opportunity by committing a minor foul or verbally attacking officials. The blue card would be an intermediate stage between a yellow and a red card. Two blue cards for the same player would lead to a red card, just as one blue and one yellow card would result in a permanent sending off.

However, the introduction of the blue card will not be finalized on Saturday. As is usual with significant changes, an initial one-year test phase will be agreed. The practical suitability of the system will then be tested in certain competitions - often in youth teams. For the blue card, the English association has apparently offered its cup competitions for the test run this time. The blue card will not be officially and bindingly introduced before 2025.

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Procedure against pack formation
In addition to the blue card, a procedure against pack formation could also be tested, in which only the captains of both teams are allowed to communicate with the referee after a signal from the referee.

The IFAB, a committee consisting of one representative each from the associations of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland - a tribute to the sport's British roots - will decide on the possible innovations. The IFAB also includes four representatives from FIFA. Decisions can only be made by majority vote, which means that FIFA has the option of blocking them.