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Sin bins and more substitutions among soccer rule change proposals under review
The IFAB will talk about numerous suggested changes to the rules of the sport in March.
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Sometimes in soccer, tackles happen that are right on the borderline between a yellow and red card. Yellow feels like they got away with something, but a sending off feels like too harsh of a penalty. Ice hockey-like “sin bins” have been presented as a solution to this problem, and they might become a reality soon.
The International Football Association Board, which sets the rules for the game, is considering the implementation of sin bins. IFAB will discuss a proposal for their use at their March meeting, and the updated laws of the game are expected to come out in May.
Sin Bins have been tested in amateur competitions, and IFAB could call for more serious testing in friendly matches and youth international games. If IFAB approves testing, it would likely take two to three years for them to come to all levels of the game, assuming all goes well.
IFAB will also look at proposals about letting countries define their own substitution rules, and a rule that only the captain can speak to the referee.
Goal of the day
In the news
Yesterday was the deadline for groups to submit bids for MLS expansion. Here’s a look at the proposals by all 12 cities that want in. (MLS)
Branislav Ivanovic has moved to Zenit St. Petersburg. (We Ain’t Got No History)
Lille has new owners, and they didn’t get approved until Jan. 30. Read up on all 11 (ELEVEN!) of the transfers that they did in under 48 hours. (Lille OSC)
AC Milan star Giacomo Bonaventura is out for the season. (AC Milan Offside)
Chicharito is out injured this weekend. (Bundesliga)
Roberto Firmino can’t drive for a year after admitting to drinking and driving. (ESPN FC)
Marcelo and Dani Carvajal are injured, but will return to Real Madrid’s squad for the Champions League. (Marca)
Barcelona has signed promising Uruguayan teenager Santiago Bueno. (Sport)
Chicago’s Soldier Field will host the 2017 MLS All-Star Game. (Hot Time in Old Town)
You should be reading
Jack Sargeant on Crystal Palace spending lots of money, but getting very little in return.
Charles Boehm on new USMNT midfielder Sebastian Lletget’s rise to stardom. (MLS)
Angela Roemelt on Darmstadt’s journey to the Bundesliga. (Unusual Efforts)
What happened on Tuesday
Arsenal stumbled in a loss to Watford. (The Short Fuse)
Tottenham wasn’t much better in a 0-0 draw with Sunderland. (Cartilage Free Captain)
What to watch on Wednesday (click for listings, all times ET)
Africa Cup of Nations: Burkina Faso vs. Egypt (2 p.m.) -- We’re into the business end of the tournament now. All four teams left are good and worth watching.
Premier League: 3 games (2:45 p.m.) -- We recommend Stoke-Everton over the big team games, honestly.
Copa del Rey: Atlético Madrid vs. Barcelona (3 p.m.) -- The two biggest teams left get to meet a round early.
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