When Referee Made History by Issuing Football’s First Ever White Card
- The first-ever white card in football was shown during a 2023 match between Sporting Lisbon and Benfica, with fans surprised by the unusual decision
- Unlike yellow and red cards, the white card is used to recognise acts of fair play, such as the quick response of medical staff during an on-field emergency
- The initiative has not yet been adopted globally, with the International Football Association Board yet to include the card in the official Laws of the Game
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Around 15,000 fans were in attendance to witness football's first white card in 2023, an incident that quickly went viral on social media.
With yellow and red cards firmly established in football, the introduction of a rare card left many supporters both surprised and intrigued.
First introduced at the 1970 FIFA World Cup, these traditional cards have long been central to enforcing the rules of the beautiful game.
Source: Twitter
However, history took an unexpected turn in January 2023 during a women’s match between Benfica and Sporting CP.
The moment came shortly before half-time, with Benfica leading 3-0, when referee Catarina Campos produced a white card in the same manner as a standard booking.
According to Mundo Deportivo, it marked the first-ever use of the card in football, sparking widespread confusion and debate.
What is football's white card used for?
The white card serves a very different purpose from the yellow and red cards.
In this instance, it was reported that someone in the stands had fallen ill late in the first half, prompting medical staff from both teams to rush to assist.
After the situation was handled, the referee displayed the white card, this time to applause and curiosity from fans inside the Estadio da Luz.
Unlike disciplinary cards, the white card is intended to recognise and reward acts of fair play and sportsmanship.
Introduced as part of a new initiative in Portugal, the card aims to promote ethical behaviour in football.
On this occasion, it was awarded to the medical teams for their swift and professional response to the emergency.
The concept offers immediate recognition for positive actions during a match, something rarely acknowledged in real time within the sport.
Source: Twitter
According to a report by The Olympics, former UEFA president Michel Platini had previously proposed the introduction of a white card, but his idea aimed to enforce temporary sin bins to curb player dissent towards referees.
Why football white card is not common
The white card was introduced alongside other modern changes in football, such as concussion substitutions and extended stoppage time, which were notably seen during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
However, two years on, its use remains limited.
While the Portuguese Football Federation implemented the initiative domestically, the International Football Association Board has yet to formally include it in the Laws of the Game.
According to Portugal’s National Plan for Ethics in Sport (PNED), via Givemesport:
“The aim of the card is to recognise, highlight and reward ethically relevant attitudes and behaviour of practitioners, coaches, managers and spectators.”
As it stands, there is no strict guideline on when referees should issue a white card, leaving its application open to interpretation.
FIFA decision hits Ghana, 29 others
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Ghana is among a group of countries facing an unexpected financial setback ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a recent decision by FIFA on tax arrangements in the United States.
The ruling means national associations like the Ghana Football Association (GFA) could lose a portion of their tournament earnings to taxes, adding fresh pressure at a time when preparations are already stretching budgets.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
