Can a football coach get a yellow or red card?
A · Advanced · Yellow cards, red cards and misconduct · 5 of 12Checked 13 October 2026
Yes.
Team officials, including coaches, can be warned, shown a yellow card or sent off with a red. If the referee
cannot identify who in the technical area committed an offence, the senior coach present receives the card. Coaches must
stay in the technical area and only one person at a time may give tactical instructions.
How it works
| Level | Examples |
|---|---|
| Warning | Entering the field calmly, minor disagreement, ignoring an official's request, leaving the technical area now and then |
| Yellow card | Dissent, persistently leaving the technical area, delaying a restart, sarcastic clapping, gesturing for cards, throwing a bottle |
| Red card | Leaving the technical area to confront an official, entering the field to confront or interfere, violent or abusive behaviour, a second yellow, unauthorised electronic devices |
- If the offender cannot be identified, the senior coach in the technical area receives the sanction.
- A sent-off team doctor or physio may stay if the team has no other medical person.
Tricky cases
Can a coach use a tablet or headset?
Yes, small handheld devices are allowed for player welfare or tactical reasons. Using unauthorised equipment, or behaving badly because of it, is a red card.
Why the rule exists
Behaviour on the bench affects the game and the referee's control, so it carries the same sanctions.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| All football under the Laws | As above | L1.9; L4.4; L5.3; L12.4 |
From the rule book
IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Laws 1.9, 4.4, 5.3 and 12.4 ("Team officials"), in force from 1 July 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: IFAB Laws of the Game (PDF).