FIFA is reportedly reviewing a significant change to its disciplinary rules as it prepares for the expanded World Cup, with a proposal aimed at reducing player suspensions caused by accumulated yellow cards.
According to reports, the plan would introduce an additional amnesty point during the tournament. Under the proposal, yellow cards would be cleared at the end of the group stage and again after the quarter-finals.
Currently, players face suspension after receiving two yellow cards across matches—a rule that has often led to key players missing crucial knockout games due to earlier minor infractions.
The push for reform comes as the World Cup expands from 32 to 48 teams, resulting in more matches on the path to the semi-finals. With players potentially competing in up to six games before reaching the last four, officials are concerned about an increased risk of suspensions in decisive fixtures.
Instead of raising the suspension threshold to three yellow cards, FIFA believes introducing two reset points would create a fairer system. Players would still be suspended after two cautions, but only within specific phases of the competition. Bookings received in the group stage would not carry into the knockout rounds, while those accumulated before the quarter-finals would not impact availability for the semi-finals.
The proposed adjustment aims to maintain discipline while ensuring that major matches are less likely to be influenced by the absence of top players.
A final decision on the proposal is expected to be made at an upcoming FIFA Council meeting.