Question Number: 25616

League Specific 10/17/2011

RE: rec 7v7 league Adult

jack Luther of newport, nc usa asks...

Does FIFA have a rule about the accumulation of Yellow cards or is it a per league thing? A player was ejected from a 7v7 adult game after receiving two yellow cards. He showed up the next week and expected to play. His first argument was about other players receiving multiple yellow cards over multiple games.

He said per FIFA after 3 yellow cards you must sit out. I could not find anything in the Laws of the game on this. He then went on to say that after a Red card is given you can submit paper work and a ruling can be made based on the foul to let the player play the next game.

Again, I have never heard this, seen this before. Anytime there is a red issued you do not play the rest of that game and you sit out the next.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

FIFA does have rules about yellow accumulation, but they only apply to competitions which FIFA governs, such as the World Cup or Confederations Cup.

It is up to local leagues to govern suspensions for yellow cards accumulated in multiple games.

However, if a player receives 2 yellow cards in one game, he then receives a red card. FIFA has stated that a player should be suspended for at least one further game whenever a red card has been received.

Many leagues have appeal procedures where a player can contest the red card, giving a defense before a disciplinary committee. This committee would have the authority to rescind the suspension, or to increase the number of games beyond the minimum.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Jack
Yellow cards are a matter for the competition organisers to decide on in the competition rules. UEFA has a two caution ban rules, the EPL has a five caution ban rule etc.
What FIFA has decreed is that a player that has been sent off for two yellow cards must be suspened for the next game in that competition. There is no discretion on that ban and all affiliates of FIFA such as UEFA, USSF must adhere to that. What further punishment is metted out is a matter for the competition organisers and that 'extra' suspension can be appealed but not the one game ban.