Copa America Introduces Concussion Substitutions for Player Safety

CONMEBOL announces an additional substitution for concussions or head trauma during the Copa America, starting from June 20 to July 14 in the U.S. This sixth substitution aims to protect players' health and will be adopted in other tournaments organized by the governing body.

Teams at next month's Copa America will have the option of an additional substitution in the event of a concussion or suspected head trauma, South American football's governing body CONMEBOL said on Tuesday. The change in rules will also apply to other tournaments organised by the body following the commencement of the Copa America, which runs from June 20 to July 14 and will be held in the United States.

"In addition to the five changes per team authorized by the regulations, a potential sixth will be added to take care of the health of the players," CONMEBOL said in a statement. "This is an extra substitution in the event of a suspected head injury or concussion. To do so, the main referee or the fourth official must be informed and a pink card will be used."

Several head injury charities have called for the use of concussion substitutions in football, with the International Football Association Board (IFAB) enshrining them in football's laws in March, but leaving it open to organisers of individual competitions to implement.