What is the ban for a red card at 2018 World Cup, and how many yellow cards will it take before a player is suspended at tournament?
Here's all you need to know about a cautionary tale that is bound to cause an argument or two in Russia this summer
CARDS are always a controversial subject - especially when the stakes are so high at the World Cup.
It's often a fine line between professional or consistent fouls and a sending off...
And of, course, so much depends on the interpretation of the rules by the referee and his match officials.
How long is the suspension for a red card at the World Cup?
The suspension for a red card at the World Cup is a one game ban.
So, how many yellow cards will it take before a player is suspended in Russia?
Under Fifa rules it will take two yellow cards for a red card in a match.
Likewise two yellow cards in separate matches earn a player a one-match suspension.
At what stage are yellow cards wiped out?
In the quarter-finals when, just like in the Champions League, players are given a clean slate and are ready to go again.
Was it always like this?
No. FIFA first started wiping out yellow cards after the quarter-final round in the 2010 World Cup. By wiping yellow cards out ahead of the semi-finals, only a red card would prevent a player from missing the final.
Fifa used to wipe out yellow cards after the initial group stage. But the governing body wanted to make sure vital players would not be suspended for the final.
Give me an idea as to how many yellow cards we think might be issued?
There were 187 yellow cards at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil - an average of just under three per match.