World football governing body FIFA is planning changes to its yellow card system to reduce the number of players suspended during major tournaments, including the 2026 World Cup.
Under the current rules, a player who receives two yellow cards in separate matches before the quarter-finals is automatically suspended for the next game, often causing key players to miss important fixtures.
To address this, FIFA is considering a new approach that would introduce “amnesty” periods, allowing yellow cards to be wiped at certain stages of the competition to prevent unnecessary bans.
Reports say the plan includes clearing yellow cards after the group stage and again after the quarter-finals, so players do not miss semi-finals because of earlier bookings.
FIFA officials believe the change will improve fairness and ensure that the best players are available for the biggest matches, especially with the expanded 48-team format of the 2026 tournament.
The proposal follows concerns that the extra knockout round could increase the chances of players picking up multiple bookings and being suspended before the later stages.
“There will be an amnesty after the group stage,” reports said, adding that another reset would take place after the quarter-finals to protect players from missing key games.
In addition to the yellow card changes, football lawmakers have approved new measures allowing VAR to review second yellow card decisions to prevent wrongful dismissals.
The changes are part of wider efforts to improve fairness, reduce controversy and keep matches flowing smoothly during the tournament.
If approved, the new system could mark a major shift in how discipline is managed in international football, balancing punishment for fouls with the need to keep top players on the pitch.
