UEFA considering 'temporarily' ejections in football

It could be the biggest rule change in football's recent history. UEFA proposes a rule that could allow referees to temporarily eject players who injure others. The news was released by former referee, Italian Pierluigi Collina.

The rule states that a player could be temporarily removed from the pitch if they commit a foul that injures an opponent. “We are going to propose this new rule to IFAB, whereby the player who causes the injury temporarily leaves the pitch as long as the injured player is being treated off the park,” said the former renowned referee.

He also added that under current rules, a player that injures an opponent that has to be treated outside the pith puts his team into and advantage. “The current system isn't fair. The player who commits the foul is only cautioned and stays on the pitch while the injured player is left a man down. Maybe in the future both players could leave the pitch and reenter together, when the other player is ready,” Collina added.

The new rule is aimed at dangerous tackles and worthy of a yellow card. UEFA plans to submit the proposal to the IFAB at their next meeting set between February and March 2015.

A similar rule exists in professional rugby. A player who makes a dangerous tackle or commits an unnecessary violent gesture is removed temporarily from the pith for 10 minutes.