South American football’s governing body, CONMEBOL, announced on Tuesday that teams competing in next month’s Copa America will have the option to make an additional substitution in cases of concussion or suspected head trauma. The new rule will also apply to other tournaments organized by CONMEBOL following the Copa America, which is scheduled to take place from June 20 to July 14 in the United States.
In a statement, CONMEBOL explained that, in addition to the five substitutions already permitted per team, a potential sixth substitution will be available specifically to address situations involving suspected head injuries or concussions. To utilize this additional substitution, the main referee or the fourth official must be informed, and a pink card will be used to indicate the nature of the substitution.
The decision to introduce concussion substitutions aligns with calls from various head injury charities and recent developments in football regulations. In March, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) included concussion substitutions in football’s laws, leaving it to individual competition organizers to implement them as deemed appropriate.
CONMEBOL’s adoption of this measure underscores its commitment to prioritizing the health and safety of players participating in its tournaments. By providing teams with the option to make additional substitutions specifically for head injuries, CONMEBOL aims to ensure that players receive prompt medical attention in cases of suspected concussions or head trauma.
Overall, this initiative reflects a proactive approach to player welfare and sets a positive example for football competitions worldwide, emphasizing the importance of addressing head injuries with appropriate measures.
