IFAB to Publish Protocols for Sin-Bin Trials in Professional Football: Addressing Player Behavior and Improving the Game

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) is set to publish the detailed protocols for sin-bin trials in professional football. The protocols are expected to include a provision for blue cards. Referees will have the power to send players off for 10 minutes for dissent or cynical fouls. If a player receives two blue cards, they will be dismissed for the rest of the match, as will a player who receives a blue and a yellow card.

The sin-bin trials have already been conducted in amateur and youth football in England and Wales, and the IFAB agreed in November last year that they should be implemented at higher levels of the game. However, FIFA has expressed caution, calling the introduction of blue cards in elite football 'premature' and suggesting that any trials should be limited to lower levels.

The Football Association (FA) is considering trialling sin bins in the FA Cup and Women's FA Cup next season. However, sin bins will not be used in this summer's European Championship or next season's UEFA Champions League, as UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin is opposed to their use.

The introduction of sin bins aims to address player behavior and crack down on dissent. The focus is on improving participant behavior on and off the field of play, with the goal of retaining and motivating referees. The sin bin is one of several ideas being considered to achieve this goal.

In conclusion, the IFAB will publish the detailed protocols for sin-bin trials in professional football, including the provision for blue cards. The trials aim to address player behavior and improve participant behavior on and off the field. While there is support for the trials at lower levels of the game, caution has been expressed about implementing them in elite football. The FA is considering trialling sin bins in domestic cup competitions, but they will not be used in major international tournaments. The ultimate goal is to create a positive and respectful environment in football, ensuring the game is played fairly and with sportsmanship.