FIFA Introduces Blue and Purple Cards – Here’s How They Work

For centuries, football has tried to keep pace with technological innovation, using the latest available resources to improve the game and ensure fairness for everyone involved. The next step in this evolution is here, with FIFA introducing blue and purple cards as the governing body responds to modern demands.

Even those unfamiliar with football terminology know that the sport traditionally used only two cards: yellow, which serves as a warning to a player or coaching staff member, and red, which results in the dismissal of a player or coach from the game.

The new purple and blue cards are available to teams rather than the referee and are tied to FIFA’s new video review system called Football Video Support (FVS). This system will be used in competitions where the full Video Assistant Referee (VAR) setup is not available. The idea is simple: in tournaments that cannot afford the massive infrastructure required for VAR, FVS offers a cost-effective, lightweight alternative that still allows key decisions to be reviewed quickly and fairly.

How Does FIFA’s Blue and Purple Card System Work?

Each manager receives one review card at the start of the game — blue for Team A and purple for Team B. When a controversial incident occurs, such as a penalty call or a possible red card, the manager can immediately request a review by handing the card to the fourth official.

The referee then reviews the incident using limited camera angles (usually three to four cameras instead of the twelve or more used in top leagues). If the decision is overturned in favor of the manager’s challenge, they retain the card and may use it again. If the decision stands, the challenge is lost.

FIFA explains that FVS is intended only for “clear and obvious errors,” covering incidents such as goal or no goal, penalty or no penalty, and direct red card decisions. Second yellow cards, offside calls, and similar situations cannot be challenged.

Why FIFA Created the FVS System

Review systems in sports are nothing new. Tennis has used them for decades, while cricket developed its own DRS system following technological advancements. Although many developed nations now use VAR, in many developing football regions including parts of Asia, Africa, and smaller European leagues, the cost of implementing VAR remains prohibitively high.

Installing dozens of cameras, hiring trained operators, and maintaining a central VAR hub can cost millions of dollars. FIFA’s FVS aims to bridge that gap by offering a scalable and affordable solution for leagues seeking fairness without the financial burden.

Where are the Blue and Purple Cards Being Tested?

The blue and purple card system has already been used at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup, where Morocco’s coach requested a penalty review against France.

The Women’s Under-17 World Cup in the Dominican Republic, Italy’s Serie C (men’s league), Spain’s Women’s Liga F, and the Primera Federación (men’s second division) are also using FVS. So far, more than 200 matches have been played under this system, and early feedback from referees and players has been largely positive.

Could the Blue Card Come to Pakistan?

While it is still early days, FIFA’s affordable review system could be a game-changer for developing football markets like Pakistan, where resources for full VAR setups are limited.

If FVS proves successful globally, it may soon be introduced in Pakistan, potentially used in matches such as the Asian Cup and World Cup Qualifiers. This would offer fairer officiating without the need for expensive technology.

FIFA’s new card trials mark a new era in football’s use of technology, one that prioritizes accessibility and equality over luxury.

Whether it becomes a global standard or remains limited to smaller leagues, it represents a major step toward ensuring that every match, regardless of location, receives the fairness it deserves.