UEFA adjusts yellow card cycle in European competitions

UEFA has informed European associations and clubs of two significant changes for the new season in the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The main change affects the yellow card cycle during the league phase. Previously, a player faced suspension after accumulating three yellows, with further odd-numbered cards (fifth, seventh, ninth) triggering match bans. The introduction of an eight-match league phase last season upset the balance between cards and games, disproportionately increasing the risk of accumulated yellow card suspensions.

Starting this season, the threshold rises from three to four yellow cards for the first ban, with subsequent suspensions applied at the sixth, eighth, and tenth cards. The rule extends to the Conference League to prevent complications with February transfers.

UEFA also modernized stadium clock regulations: they can now display elapsed or remaining time, reflecting current technology, and added time must be shown in additional format (45+x, 90+y).