AFP/Dubai


UEFA president Michel Platini yesterday reiterated his desire to introduce a ‘white card’ that would lead to a player being sin-binned.
The 59-year-old Frenchman first presented his concept in October only to be met by fierce opposition from football’s world governing body (FIFA) president Sepp Blatter.  
However Platini was sticking to his guns at the 9th edition of the Dubai International Sports Conference.  
“The white card is a new initiative. It is related to the behaviour of football players. Play-acting, criticism on the field, these are not accepted by people who love the game.
“Yellow cards will still exist too but it might be interesting to have another card.
“This white card would send off a player for a few minutes, maybe five or 10. This would be a way to promote the game among fans who don’t want to see this.
“With a white card, there would be no suspension. I think we should learn from other sports, like rugby, who have used this system.”
Former Nancy, Saint-Etienne and Juventus playmaker Platini, who led France to the 1984 European championship and two World Cup semi-finals, said the offside rule also needed to be simplified in order to reach a larger audience.  
“There are different types of offside rules. It is difficult to find common and ethical standards to simplify the offside rule. We need to allow people who are in front of the TV to understand offside, too.” added Platini.  
“Now we have to convince FIFA”.