dthe world association FIFA described as “incorrect and premature” a journalistic report about the decision to introduce the blue card in high-level football. “If such tests are carried out, they should be limited to responsible tests at lower levels,” FIFA said on Thursday night.

The British newspaper “The Telegraph” had previously reported that regulators of the Board of the International Football Association (Ifab) had approved the introduction of the new Blue Card.

This means that a ten-minute penalty will be imposed on players if, for example, they have prevented a clear scoring opportunity with a less serious foul or have verbally attacked the referees. As the article continues, citing Ifab, two blue cards should lead to a red card, as should a blue card and a yellow card.

Ifab had already announced at the end of November that it wanted to test the introduction of time penalties. These are already used in youth football.

The first tests could take place starting in the summer, but not in the big leagues. The English Football Association is considering making the FA Cup and Women's Cup available on a voluntary basis. If the blue card is included in the football regulations, it would be the first new card since the yellow and red cards were introduced at the 1970 World Cup.

In handball there has been a blue card since 2016. This is displayed so that it is clear to all involved immediately after a red card whether a further report will be made, which will then result in a decision by the disciplinary committee.