The 2024 Copa América will be the pilot test of a rule modification that will introduce the pink card and a possible sixth substitution. This was announced by CONMEBOL ahead of the start of the continental tournament to be held in the United States from June 20 to July 14.
This extra substitution seeks to protect the health of players and can only be used in cases of suspected traumatic brain injury and concussion. To do so, the main referee or the fourth official must be informed, and a pink card will be used.
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According to the rule modification, this extra change is independent of the existing five (in case of extra time, six substitutions). By doing so, the opposing team is also enabled to make a new substitution, which can be made at the same time or later.
“The player who suffers a concussion or is suspected of having suffered one cannot return to the match or participate in the penalty shootout, and whenever possible, will be accompanied to the locker room or a medical center,” the new regulations state.
This decision is in line with what FIFA has decreed, authorizing a sixth substitution for these medical reasons starting from the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Remembering Zagallo
Sambafoot Series launched a new documentary about the football legend Zagallo. Known as ‘Velho Lobo‘ and as superstitious as it gets, Zagallo helped shape what Brazilian football is nowadays — as a player and as a coach.
Binge the six episodes available on Sambafoot’s Youtube channel. Stay tuned for upcoming releases as we keep telling this legend’s life story.
