to player suspensions, falling in line with recommendations issued by FIFA, the world governing body for soccer.

No longer will players receive automatic three match suspensions on being shown a red card and ejected from a match, and the cumulative points system with regard to receipt of cautions has also been rescinded.

Players will now receive automatic one match bans for a sending off, while three yellow cards -- in separate matches -- also warrant a single game ban, although in each case the player in question becomes liable for review by the BFA's disciplinary committee.

In the past, along with the three match ban for being sent off, anyone totalling 20 points in cautions was subject to a one match ban.

BFA general secretary David Sabir yesterday told how the changes were aimed at simplifying the current system of suspensions and not causing players to be unduly penalised for offences committed during the course of play.

"At a meeting of the BFA executive committee on October 12, it was decided that the committee would review all of the disciplinary measures that are currently a part of our playing rules in an attempt to bring our penalties and sanctions in line with our new laws of the game as per described by FIFA,'' said Sabir.

"The intent is that the new system by which a player receives a first caution in a match followed by a second caution is an automatic ejection from the field. In light of the new provision it was seen that a three match suspension is somewhat harsh in light of the fact that cautionable offences may not necessarily warrant a three match suspension.

"However, it was also decided that the offence committed by the player who has received a red card can be further penalised at the outcome of a disciplinary hearing.'' The new rulings will be retro-active to the beginning of this season. Players already banned can have their suspensions lifted on application to the BFA.