The following information has been prepared to provide helpful guidance to Clubs and Participants on The FA Disciplinary Regulations for the 2025/26 Season. This information does not alter or replace the actual FA Rules and Regulations which should be referred to for the full provisions relating to disciplinary matters. In the event of any inconsistency or conflict between the following information and the Rules and Regulations, the Rules and Regulations shall take precedence.
Summary
Accumulating five, ten, fifteen or twenty yellow cards in league matches can result in an automatic ban in your relevant league. Accumulated yellow cards in cup competitions are treated separately and can result in an automatic ban from the cup competition in which the yellow cards were received.
The cut-off dates for receiving a sanction as a result of accumulating cautions are outlined in the table below.
Category 2: Players of Clubs in the Premier League, EFL Leagues and National League playing Non-First Team Competitive Matches in male open aged teams, Under 19s, Under 18s and Academy teams:
COMPETITION IN WHICH CAUTIONS ACCUMULATED | NUMBER OF CAUTIONS ACCUMULATED | CUT OFF POINT (UP TO AND INCLUDING) | AUTOMATIC SUSPENSION/SANCTION | COMPETITIONS TO WHICH AUTOMATIC SUSPENSION/SANCTION APPLIES |
NFTM (excluding EFL Trophy and National League Cup) | 5 | 31 December | 1 Match | NFTM (excluding EFL Trophy and National League Cup) |
10 | Second Sunday of April | 2 Matches | ||
15 | Last day of the same playing season | 3 Matches | ||
20 | Last day of the same playing season | As determined by a Regulatory Commission | ||
EFL Trophy | 2 | Quarter Finals | 1 Match | EFL Trophy |
4 | 2 Matches | |||
National League Cup | 2 | Quarter Finals | 1 Match | National League Cup |
4 | 2 Matches |
- Suspensions which are imposed for reaching these thresholds in both First Team Competitive Matches and Non-First Team Competitive Matches will commence with immediate effect.
Category 4: Clubs in the Premier League, EFL Leagues, the National League, WSL and WSL2 playing Friendly Matches.
- Accumulated cautions do not apply to this category.
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