In a groundbreaking move to enhance player safety, the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) has mandated the use of a pink card for the upcoming continental tournament, “The COPA AMERICA”.
This innovative measure aims to address the serious issue of head injuries and concussions in football by providing a clear protocol for concussion substitutions.
This summer’s Copa America, scheduled to take place in the United States from June 20 to July 14, will see referees issue pink cards alongside the traditional yellow and red ones.
According to the body, the pink card signifies the need for a player to be substituted due to a suspected concussion or head injury and it allows for a sixth substitute to be introduced in matches if a player is suspected of suffering from a concussion.
The process requires the team’s coach to inform the main referee or the fourth official, who will then show the pink card to indicate the substitution and the opposing team will also be granted an additional substitute to maintain fairness in the game.
This new law officially comes into effect from July 1 and allows organisers to implement it ahead of schedule.
