CONMEBOL has announced the introduction of a pink card, in addition to the traditional yellow and red cards, for match officials during the 2024 Copa America.
In a pioneering effort to enhance player safety, the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) has mandated the use of a pink card in the forthcoming continental tournament.
This new measure aims to tackle the serious issue of head injuries and concussions in football by establishing a clear protocol for concussion substitutions.
The Copa America, set to be held in the United States from June 20 to July 14, will feature referees using pink cards alongside the conventional yellow and red ones.
The pink card will signal the necessity for a player to be substituted due to a suspected concussion or head injury.
This rule was implemented ahead of the tournament as part of CONMEBOL’s continuous efforts to prioritize player health and safety.
This initiative permits a sixth substitute to be brought on in matches if a player is suspected of having a concussion.
According to CONMEBOL, the team’s coach must inform the main referee or the fourth official, who will then display the pink card to indicate the substitution.
Additionally, the opposing team will also be allowed an extra substitute to ensure fairness in the game. Consequently, both teams could benefit from an additional substitution if a player sustains a head injury.
A statement from CONMEBOL read: “The CONMEBOL Directorate of Competitions and Operations announced that, to the five changes per team authorised by the regulations, a potential sixth will be added to take care of the health of the footballers.
This is an extra substitution in the event of suspected head trauma and concussion.
To do so, the main referee or the fourth referee must be informed and a pink card will be used.”
Once a player is substituted under the pink card rule, they are prohibited from returning to the field of play.
The player in question will be taken to the dressing room or a medical facility for further evaluation and care.
This ensures that the player receives the necessary medical attention and minimizes the risks associated with returning to play too soon.
Team doctors are required to complete and submit a detailed report to CONMEBOL’s medical commission within 24 hours, outlining the findings of the concussion assessment, regardless of whether the player was substituted or not.
This documentation is essential for monitoring and ensuring that concussion protocols are properly adhered to.
The introduction of the pink card follows the International Football Association Board (IFAB)’s approval of permanent concussion substitutions earlier this year.
While this new rule officially takes effect on July 1, it has allowed organizers to implement it ahead of schedule.
The pink card is the latest addition to football’s disciplinary tools, joining the familiar yellow and red cards.
In recent years, white cards have also been introduced on rare occasions to recognize acts of sportsmanship and fair play, reflecting the sport’s evolving approach to officiating with greater nuance.