Evolution of football officiating saw the Global South claim historic firsts
Two landmark moments in football officiating — the introduction of yellow and red cards in Mexico and the debut of Fifa’s new green card system in Morocco — highlight how the Global South continues to shape the modern game.
The yellow and red card system, first used at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, was the brainchild of English referee Kenneth Aston.
Inspired by traffic lights, Aston devised the colour-coded warning system after confusion during the 1966 World Cup. The innovation quickly became a universal feature of football, defining refereeing for decades to come.
Now, more than 50 years later, another officiating milestone has emerged from the Global South.
At the Fifa Under-20 World Cup in Chile, Morocco became the first team to use Fifa’s new “green card” system, which allows coaches to formally challenge refereeing decisions and request a video review.
Morocco’s coach, Hicham Dmia, flashed the green card during a match against Spain to dispute a penalty call. The challenge led to the decision being overturned — and Morocco went on to win 2–0, marking the system’s first successful use.
The trial, which gives each team two challenges per game, is part of Fifa’s broader effort to rebuild trust in officiating following widespread criticism of VAR. Supporters say it adds transparency and accountability, while critics fear it could disrupt the game’s flow or encourage tactical delays.
Fifa says the green card system will remain on trial throughout the tournament before officials decide whether to expand it to senior competitions.
For the football-obsessed nations of the Global South, the developments reaffirm their place at the centre of the sport’s evolution, not just in producing players but also in shaping the way the game is played and governed.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
