A new pink card will be used by referees in international football this summer after a rule change was approved.

Every year new rules are proposed, but few ever actually get introduced though.

However, fans watching the Copa America this summer will get to see pink cards used by referees for the very first time.

South American football’s governing body CONMEBOL have approved the use of a new rule given the go-ahead by IFAB, football’s lawmakers.

Organisers of the tournament – which will take place in the United States between June 20 and July 14 – will allow referees to issue pink cards as part of a system that grants teams an extra substitute.

The potential sixth substitute could be granted in the event of a suspected head injury or concussion, with the referee or fourth official needing to be notified and a pink card brandished to signify the special substitution.

Once the concussion substitute is made, the opposing team will also be granted an additional substitute under the rule.

Teams will also have an ‘additional substitution opportunity’, which can only be used for the extra substitute granted.

Players who have suffered a suspected concussion will not be able to return to the pitch after being substituted, and will be taken to the dressing room or medical centre.

Team doctors will have to complete and send a form to CONMEBOL’s medical commission within 24 hours of the match, outlining the details of the concussion assessment.

IFAB approved permanent concussion substitutions back in March.

The new pink card law will officially be introduced from July 1, but IFAB said that competitions starting before then – such at the Copa America – can implement the rule earlier.

IFAB continues to resits the introduction of temporary concussion substitutions.

Featured Image Credit: Getty

Topics: Copa America, Football