(foto: UEFA)
UEFA has introduced immediate rule changes affecting yellow card suspensions and stadium clocks across all three men's club competitions.
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UEFA has announced two important rule changes that will take effect immediately across the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.
The changes affect the suspension system for accumulated yellow cards and one of the most debated stadium regulations, the display of match time after the 45th and 90th minutes.
Players receive more breathing room before suspension
Under the new disciplinary rules, players will now be suspended after collecting four yellow cards, instead of the previous threshold of three.
The adjustment allows players to remain available for more matches before serving a one-game suspension and reduces the likelihood of key players missing important fixtures because of relatively minor disciplinary records.
Fans will finally see stoppage time on stadium scoreboards
UEFA has also scrapped one of its longest-standing stadium restrictions by allowing official scoreboards to continue displaying the match clock beyond the 45th and 90th minutes.
For years, supporters inside stadiums were unable to see exactly how much stoppage time had been played because UEFA prohibited clocks from running beyond the end of each half. The rule was often confused, with fans relying solely on the referee's signals or public announcements.
From now on, stadium scoreboards will be permitted to display the full match clock, including added time, bringing UEFA competitions into line with practices already used in several domestic leagues, including the Premier League.
The new regulations are already in force
Both changes apply immediately and will be used in all UEFA men's club competitions from the start of the new season.
The updated rules are intended to improve transparency for supporters inside stadiums while making the disciplinary system more balanced over the course of long European campaigns.