The GAA are expected to scrap or drastically modify the sin bin experiment in time for the start of the National League, which begins on February 6.
The football rules task force met on Monday night at Croke Park to discuss the controversial rule, and, despite initially indicating that it would remain in tact for the league, it has now emerged that the sin bin is unlikey to continue in its current form.
GAA president Séan Kelly will make on official statement on the matter on Monday in Hong Kong, following the Football All Stars' exhibition game there on Saturday.
The unconfirmed suggestion is that a player who gets a yellow card would leave the field for the rest of the game, but would be replaced by a substitute. The reasoning behind this idea is that the player who commits the foul is punished, rather than the team.
The current format, which has resulted in criticism from Laois manager and task force member Mick O'Dwyer amongst others during its trial period in certain provincial competitions, involves a player being sent off for a 10-minute period, with no replacement allowed on the field in his place.
This resulted in a 26-man game at one stage during last Sunday's O'Byrne Cup semi-final between Laois and Kildare. In total, eight players were sent off in what was generally perceived as a clean affair.
O'Dwyer, Donegal manger Brian McEniff, Connacht council chairman Tommy Moran, Sligo player Paul Durkan, Tyrone star Brian Dooher, Dublin veteran and Gaelic Players' Association supremo Dessie Farrell and respected inter-county referee Pat McEnaney complete the task force.
Its recommendation to the GAA's management committee should decide the sin bin's league fate.
Referees at this weekend's O'Byrne Cup, McGrath Cup and FBD Connacht League matches, though, will continue to enforce the existing sin bin.
Leinster hurling tournaments, the Walsh Cup and Kehoe Cup, will also use the sin bin this weekend – competitive hurling's first exposure to the rule.
Meanwhile, the two other main rule changes in football – the pick-up off the ground without the use of the foot, and the use of tees for kick-outs – should be backed by the management committee when they meet on Friday week.
