FIFA is considering a major adjustment to its disciplinary rules ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in a bid to reduce suspensions caused by accumulated yellow cards.
Under the proposal, yellow cards would be wiped at two stages, after the group phase and again after the quarter-finals, creating a fairer system for players as the tournament expands to 48 teams.
With more matches required to reach the semi-finals, FIFA believes the current system could unfairly sideline key players for minor infractions. The proposed change aims to preserve discipline while ensuring that crucial knockout games are not decided by avoidable absences.
