Plans to introduce sin bins in professional football, pending approval from the International Football Association Board (IFAB), include the publication of detailed protocols on Friday, potentially incorporating blue cards. 

These blue cards would empower referees to issue 10-minute penalties for dissent or cynical fouls, with repeated infractions leading to player dismissal for the match. 

Two blue cards would reportedly result in the player’s dismissal for the rest of the match, as would a blue and a yellow card.

IFAB is expected to greenlight the extended sin bin trial at its annual meeting in March, following successful trials in amateur and youth football in England and Wales. Mark Bullingham, CEO of the Football Association, highlights the focus on dissent and tactical fouls, considering whether yellow cards suffice for such infractions. 

Potential expansion of the trial to address tactical fouls is under consideration. 

Sky News suggests the FA Cup in England as a possible testing ground for sin bins, representing a significant shift akin to the introduction of red and yellow cards in 1970. Pierluigi Collina notes the success of grassroots trials, indicating a likely expansion to professional football. 

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