When are cards wiped in the Champions League? Can players miss the final?

The 2022-23 edition of the Champions League is nearing its conclusion, with Manchester City and Real Madrid battling it out on Wednesday for the right to take on Serie A side Inter in the final in Istanbul on 10 June.

The Nerazzuri got through their last-four clash against city rivals AC Milan unscathed in terms of suspensions. Let’s we take a look at how bookings affect players and their teams throughout the campaign, including the mouthwatering City vs Madrid clash.

How many yellow cards lead to a Champions League suspension?

Players will receive a one-game suspension should they collect three yellow cards between Matchday 1 of the group stage and the second leg of the quarter-finals.

How many Champions League games will a player miss following a red card?

A player sent off is automatically suspended for the next match in a Champions League, Europa League, Europa Conference League or Super Cup match.

When are cards wiped in the Champions League?

All yellow cards expire on completion of the quarter-finals and are not carried forward to the semi-finals.

Can you be suspended for the Champions League final?

Players can be suspended for the Champions League final but only after receiving a red card as yellow cards expire after the completion of the quarter-finals. Even if a player is cautioned in both legs of a semi-final tie, they will not be suspended for the final.

Do yellow cards expire at the end of the European season?

Cautions and pending yellow-card suspensions from the Champions League, the Europa League and the Europa Conference League expire at the end of each season, giving players a fresh start the following season.