The potential implementation of blue cards and sin-bins, according to Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou, would “destroy” the game.

Following discussions with FIFA, the world governing body of football, lawmakers Ifab postponed their plans to disclose details about four prospective trials.

Players would have to spend ten minutes off the field and receive blue cards for tactical fouls and dissent.

“Putting in one more [card].” What effect will that have? “There is already a remedy,” Postecoglou stated.

“Take that action if the enforcement isn’t meeting the needs of the public.” The change is that. You know what would happen to our game if one team was reduced to 10 players for ten minutes? It will be destroyed by it.

“One team will be waiting for someone to return for ten minutes while they try to kill time. We are attempting to travel in the opposite direction for an odd reason, while every other game is trying to speed up and clear things up.”

The addition of a blue card to the rules of the game would be the most significant alteration to player discipline since the 1970 World Cup, when red and yellow cards were first implemented.

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The plans appear to be losing traction among Premier League managers, while Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp shared the Australian’s direct views on the subject.

“At first, it doesn’t seem like a very good concept. However, if these folks [Ifab] ever had a great concept, I honestly can’t recall when it was,” Klopp remarked.

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Eddie Howe, the manager of Newcastle, continued, saying, “To be honest, I’m not a big fan.” I believe yellow cards are there for just that. The current system, in my opinion, functions effectively; proper application is necessary.

“I think adding a blue card will merely cause additional confusion. I object to it. Again, not in a good way, in my opinion, as I believe [sin-bins] would make it much more erratic and stop-start.”

In his earlier remarks, Postecoglou also questioned the rationale behind the introduction of new regulations, saying, “I find it difficult to see why there is suddenly such a rush to implement new policies. As far as I can tell, I’m not sure if there are many issues with the game or why using a different colored card will matter.

Premier League managers can comment on planned plans via the “blue card” system.
In response to several reports on Thursday, some of which suggested that elite football could be included in the experiments, Fifa released a statement in which it urged caution.

It is known that the four trials will continue after additional deliberation led by Fifa, but it has now been determined that a press conference immediately following Ifab’s annual meeting at Loch Lomond on March 2 will provide an opportunity for “further exchange” before the specifics are confirmed.

Of the eight seats at Ifab, four are held by Fifa and the remaining four by the home countries.

Gianni Infantino, the president, has attended Ifab annual meetings before. Another top official from the organization will be present if he is unable to attend.

Although sin-bins have been employed at the local level to suppress protest, they might also be used to punish cynical fouls during a trial.