“No way” – Infantino opposes plans to introduce blue cards

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Gianni Infantino has ruled out the proposed introduction of blue cards in football.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has dismissed the introduction of blue cards as part of a sin-bin trial.

Infantino stated that the topic of the blue card is “non-existent for us” even as football’s rule-makers are set to approve sin-bin trials.

Meanwhile, plans of a sin-bin trial will be discussed by the International Football Association Board (Ifab) – the game’s rule-making body. This discussion will be held at Ifab’s annual general meeting at Loch Lomond in Scotland on Saturday.

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“I was not aware of this [blue cards] topic…”

“Fifa is completely opposed to blue cards. I was not aware of this topic, the president of Fifa – and I think Fifa has a say in Ifab. No way,” he said.

“We have to be serious. We are always open to look at ideas and proposals and everything has to be treated with respect of course.

“But once you look at it you also have to protect the essence and tradition of the game. There is no blue card.”

However, there is likely to be a debate centred around whether sin-bins should just be issued for dissent and not cynical fouls.

As expected in many quarters, the Premier League has already distanced itself from any sin-bin trials. Several managers, including Tottenham’s Ange Postecoglou, have said they were a terrible idea.

Also, discussion will also be held about ‘cooling off periods’ as a press conference is due to take place at around 13:00 GMT.

Interestingly, Infantino is expected in Scotland for the meeting. Thereafter, he will be heading to watch the Scottish Premiership game between St Mirren and Aberdeen in the afternoon.