Rabat – FIFA is reportedly considering introducing disciplinary measures that would allow players sent off for violent conduct or serious foul play in preseason friendlies to serve suspensions in subsequent official matches.
Spanish refereeing outlet Archivo VAR reported that world football’s governing body plans to examine the possibility during the 2026-2027 season, with player safety cited as the main motivation behind the potential change.
The proposal has not been formally announced or approved by FIFA. According to Archivo VAR, it remains an idea that will be studied rather than a rule scheduled for immediate implementation.
Under the plan, the measure would not apply to every red card shown in a friendly.
Dismissals resulting from two yellow cards or technical offenses, such as deliberately handling the ball to deny a goalscoring opportunity, would not automatically lead to suspensions in official competition.
Instead, FIFA is reportedly focusing specifically on direct red cards for violent conduct and serious foul play, including fights, assaults and challenges involving excessive force that could endanger an opponent.
If adopted, a player given a multi-match suspension for such an incident during preseason could be required to serve that punishment once his club begins official competition.
The International Football Association Board’s Laws of the Game already allow referees to dismiss players for serious foul play and violent conduct, including actions that use excessive force or endanger an opponent’s safety.
The proposal concerns how disciplinary consequences would carry beyond a friendly rather than changing what constitutes a red-card offense.
Uche injury brings issue into focus
Archivo VAR pointed to the recent preseason match between Monaco and Getafe as an example of the issue FIFA could seek to address.
Monaco defender Christian Mawissa received a direct red card in the 78th minute of his team’s 1-0 friendly win over Getafe on August 6. Monaco’s official match report confirmed both the dismissal and the timing of the incident.
The challenge left Getafe’s Nigerian international Christantus Uche with a serious right-knee injury.
The damage involved multiple ligament and meniscus injuries and would require surgery, potentially ruling him out for the season.
The incident has increased discussion over whether severe actions committed during preseason should carry consequences once competitive football begins.
FIFA has already taken steps this year to strengthen rules concerning player behavior. Working with the IFAB, it introduced additional disciplinary measures before the 2026 World Cup, including new provisions covering discriminatory conduct and protests against refereeing decisions.
