Sin bins to be trialled in football to help referees fight growing problem

28 November 2023 , 14:59

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Sin bins will be trialled in football games (Image: Getty Images)

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) will trial sin bins for 'dissent and specific tactical offences' following a successful implementation in the grassroots game.

The IFAB, who determine the laws of football, have already trialled temporary dismissals at grassroots level and are now plotting to do the same higher up the football pyramid. IFAB board members also supported a proposed trial whereby only the team captain may approach the referee in certain major game situations.

The governing body held its annual business meeting on Monday, which was chaired by the Scottish Football Association's chief executive Ian Maxwell. They discussed several topics, including the introduction of sin bins - a law most commonly used in rugby.

The IFAB will also launch a trial whereby only the team captain can approach the referee to discuss 'major game situations' to stop players crowding around. And they have announced there was a 'successful' trial of referees wearing body cameras at grassroots level.

In a statement, the IFAB confirmed the implementation of sin bins was 'successful' at grassroots level and there will now be a trial at 'higher levels'. It's unclear whether it will be done in the Premier League at this early stage in the ground-breaking trial.

VAR history made as referee explains his decision to crowd at Club World Cup

FIFA's refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina was asked for his opinion on the abuse and physical dangers facing referees. He replied: "This might be the cancer that kills football."

The IFAB also want to see a stricter application of the existing laws of football applied 'against players and coaches who demonstrate disrespectful conduct'. Brighton's Lewis Dunk was sent off for dissent during his team's game against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, becoming the first player to receive such a punishment in the Premier League since 2011.

As expected, VAR was also discussed at Monday's meeting. The IFAB will continue to develop semi-automated offsides to speed up decision making. They also want referees to announce the final decision of VAR reviews after a 'successful' trial by FIFA.

The IFAB want players to stop crowding around referees (Getty Images)

What's your thoughts on the proposed changes? Let us know in the comments below!

This trial took place in various FIFA tournaments during the last 12 months, including the Women's World Cup. Referees could be heard announcing their final decision over the speakers inside stadiums. Yet referees still won't explain VAR decisions to bemused fans.

Furthermore, IFAB chiefs want to limit the amount of time wasting in games by being stricter on the six-second restriction for goalkeepers, delaying restarts and managing injuries.

The IFAB's annual business meeting is important because it 'shapes the agenda' for their annual general meeting. The latter event will take place in Glasgow on March 2, where they will approve or reject the proposed changes put forward. If any changes are approved, they will be incorporated into the rules of football from July 1 onwards.

Ref Support UK, a registered charity which is dedicated to independent training, support and development of referees, has reacted to the IFAB's proposed meeting. They wrote on X: "Lots of positive proposed changes from IFAB announced today.

"Temporary dismissals (sin bins) at higher levels will be very interesting and it will remain to be seen what 'higher levels' mean, but this is a major positive step forward in addressing poor behaviour in our game. Well done to all involved."

Tom Blow