UEFA stands by yellow card bans

UEFA will not introduce a yellow card amnesty after the quarter-finals of the Champions League, Europe’s football governing body said on Wednesday.

Despite wiping the slate clean for yellow cards after the quarter-final stage of the European Championship, UEFA has opted against implementing the policy for it’s showpiece club tournament, the final of which will be played between Bayern Munich and Chelsea later this month.

Six players are set to miss the May 19 decider through suspension, leading both clubs to call for the bans to be overturned.

But UEFA says it will not change the Champions League yellow card rule for at least three years.

“Different rules can apply in different competitions. The rules are a result of careful, democratic procedure,” a UEFA spokesman said.

Chelsea players Ramires, Raul Meireles and Branislav Ivanovic will all miss the final having picked up their third booking of the tournament in the semi-final against Barcelona.

Bayern’s Luiz Gustavo, David Alaba and Holger Badstuber will also be suspended for the clash at Allianz Arena.

Chelsea’s player shortage is deepened by the absence of John Terry, suspended after receiving a straight red card against Barca, while both Gary Cahill and David Luiz could miss through injury.