17.10.2026 14:10
The yellow and red cards used in football for years may be replaced by electronic devices. In the match played between Nacional and Rentistas in Uruguay, referees showed their card decisions via a digital device. The new application attracted attention in the football world.
A striking development has occurred regarding the yellow and red cards that referees have used in football for years. In Uruguay, a new system using an electronic device instead of traditional cards has begun to be tested.
REFEREES NOW SHOW DIGITAL CARDS
According to a report by the Spanish newspaper AS, the Uruguayan Football Association has begun trialing a new application that enables refereeing decisions to be displayed digitally.
The system was tested in the Nacional-Rentistas match played as part of the Copa Uruguay. Referees displayed yellow and red card decisions via an electronic device resembling a mobile phone.
THE DEVICE HAS TWO SEPARATE BUTTONS
The new device has two separate buttons for yellow and red cards. Using these buttons, referees can digitally display card decisions given to players.
The system is not limited to card decisions. Sendings-off, player substitutions, and other developments during the match are also recorded electronically.
The collected information is transferred to the Uruguayan Football Association's digital platform. In this way, it is aimed to record developments during the match instantly.
COMPLAINTS CAME IN THE FIRST TRIAL
Some problems also emerged during the testing process of the new application. It was stated that there was difficulty distinguishing the yellow and red colors shown on the electronic device's screen.
It has not yet become clear whether the system trialed in Uruguay will be developed in the future and whether it will be used in other football organizations.