GLASGOW — FIFA President Gianni Infantino has firmly dismissed the proposal to introduce blue cards into football. Speaking in Scotland, ahead of a meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) at Loch Lomond, Infantino clarified FIFA's stance against the addition of blue cards, which had been suggested as a new measure to penalize dissent and cynical fouls by temporarily sending players off for 10 minutes.
According to Philippines News Agency, the idea of implementing blue cards at the elite level of football is not under consideration. He emphasized that while FIFA remains open to exploring new ideas and proposals that could enhance the game, it is crucial to maintain the essence and tradition of football. Currently, sin bins, similar to the proposed function of blue cards, are utilized in grassroots football at lower levels, but FIFA's recent statement makes it clear that such changes will not be extended to higher tiers of the sport.
The FIFA President's remarks set the stage for discussions on potential rule changes and innovations in football governance, highlighting a cautious approach to altering the fundamental aspects of the game.
NEW CLARK CITY — Japan's water polo teams celebrated opening victories at the 11th Asian Age Group Championships held at New Clark City Aquatic Center, marking a strong start in the competition on Sunday. In the men's division, Kai Inoue led his team with seven points to secure a 14-11 victory over China. Other matches saw Uzbekistan defeating Saudi Arabia 14-10, Singapore overpowering Malaysia with a 23-8 win, and Kazakhstan overwhelming Sri Lanka in a decisive 43-1 match.According to Philippines News Agency, the women's division also witnessed Japan clinching a win against Thailand with a score of 19-15. Uzbekistan narrowly won against Singapore 19-18, thanks to Sofiya Andriyakmina's five-point contribution. Kazakhstan's team, with Darina Sembek scoring 10 points and Anelaya Altybassarova adding six, achieved a commanding 43-4 victory over Sri Lanka.
The event also features artistic swimming competitions, which are currently underway. As of the latest update, Japan leads the medal standings with a tally of 43 gold, 21 silver, and 8 bronze medals. Kazakhstan and Thailand follow, with Kazakhstan securing 21 golds, 15 silvers, and 6 bronzes, and Thailand holding 18 golds, 12 silvers, and 23 bronzes. The host country, the Philippines, has so far accumulated 1 gold, 1 silver, and 4 bronze medals.
The Philippines' gold and silver medals were earned by swimmer Jamesray Mishael Ajido in the boys' 12-14 100-meter butterfly event on Wednesday and a second-place finish in the 50m butterfly event on Thursday, narrowly behind Japan's Yusei Nishiono.