A significant change to disciplinary regulations in French professional football has been announced. Starting from the 2025/26 season, Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 will implement a simplified rule for yellow card suspensions.
Under the updated system, players will automatically face a one-match suspension upon accumulating five yellow cards over the course of the season, irrespective of the number of games played. This replaces the previous rule, which mandated a suspension after a player received three yellow cards within a ten-match period.
This decision stems from the work of a disciplinary group established earlier this year by the LFP`s Board of Directors, in collaboration with representatives from both leagues. The reform, inspired by practices observed in other major European football leagues, is intended to streamline the process of tracking yellow card accumulations and provide greater clarity for players, clubs, and supporters alike.
Officially adopted by the LFP on June 3rd, the new rule will apply across all domestic competitions organised by the league, including the Coupe de France and the Trophée des Champions. Consistent with existing procedures, all yellow card counts will be reset at the conclusion of each season.
