FIFA is reportedly preparing to introduce a major rule change for the upcoming World Cup, with all yellow cards set to be wiped at the end of the group stage. The same reset would also apply after the quarter-finals, reducing the risk of players missing knockout matches due to accumulated bookings.
According to The Athletic, the proposal will be discussed and signed off on Tuesday during a FIFA Council meeting in Vancouver. This summer's expanded tournament will feature 48 teams instead of 32, and the governing body is looking to minimise suspensions under the new format.
Previously, yellow cards were only wiped after the quarter-finals, meaning any player who picked up two bookings in the five matches before that stage would be suspended. By introducing a second amnesty period after the group stage, a player would only be suspended if they received yellow cards in two of the three group matches, or in two games across the round of 32, last-16, and quarter-finals.
England's World Cup Campaign
England will open their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 17 before facing Ghana and Panama the following week. All three group matches will be played in the United States. With the expanded format, they must finish in the top two of their group or be one of the eight best third-placed teams to reach the new Round of 32.
Head coach Thomas Tuchel has already set out England's ambition: finish top of the group while avoiding underestimating their opponents. "No one should be underestimated," warned Tuchel. "Of course, Croatia is the standout name [and] the highest-ranked team from Pot 2 that we got into our group. It's a difficult opener against Croatia. We take it from here. Ghana is always full of talent and can always surprise and has a big history in World Cup football. Also, Panama will try to make the most in the underdog role."
"No one can be underestimated – everyone deserves the fullest respect and we will show that. For me personally, even in Champions League, you have to focus on the group – the group is always the most difficult and we want to escape and we want to win the group. It's a tough one," Tuchel added.
