The world football association FIFA is relaxing the rules for suspensions due to yellow cards at the World Cup in a month and a half.
The warnings should not only be canceled after the quarter-finals, as has previously been the case, but for the first time after the three group games. This regulation is to be confirmed at today’s meeting of the FIFA Council. First the British had BBC reported about it. Normally, players are suspended for one game after the second yellow card during the tournament.
Further knockout round by increasing to 48 teams
By expanding the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico from June 11th to July 19th from 32 to 48 teams, an additional knockout round with 32 teams will be added. This increases the risk for the players of having to sit out due to a yellow card suspension and, for example, missing the semi-finals. According to dpa information, the new regulation is intended to counteract this.
No second Ballack case
Yellow cards had already been canceled after the quarter-finals in the past. This prevented a case like Michael Ballack from happening again. The former German national team captain missed the final against Brazil at the 2002 World Cup after being booked in the semi-final against South Korea.
Most recently, Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany wanted the European Football Union to soften the rule for yellow suspensions in the Champions League. The warnings will also be canceled after the quarter-finals.
