FOOTBALL TO TRIAL SIN BINS

Lawmakers approve time-outs in clampdown on bad behaviour like mass intimidation of refs while VAR changes also stay on the table

- JOHN CROSS

FOOTBALL’S lawmakers have approved a sin bin trial as part of a major clampdown on player behaviour. 

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) agreed new measures to improve conduct on the pitch.

That will see a trial in amateur football from next season of players punished by being ordered off the pitch for a certain period of time.

If successful it could potentially be brought in to the wider game from the 2025-26 season.

The IFAB meeting in London yesterday also supported a new rule where only team captains can approach referees and officials during flashpoints, described as “major game situations”.

FIFA referees’ chief Pierluigi Collina (above right) told Sky the abuse and physical threat facing officials “might be the cancer that kills football”.