The South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) will implement a sixth player substitution, in addition to the existing five, in case of head trauma and concussion during the Copa America, which will be held between June and July in the United States.

This decision was announced on Tuesday in a statement by Conmebol's Competitions and Operations Directorate, headquartered in the Paraguayan city of Luque.

"It is an extra substitution in case of suspected head trauma and concussion. To do this, the main referee or the fourth referee must be informed, and a pink card will be used," the statement detailed.

The rule change, aimed at "protecting the health of the players," will take effect from the start of the 2024 Copa America.

The continental tournament, which will feature 16 teams, will kick off on June 20 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and conclude on July 14 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

The new rule stipulates that one substitution per match can be made "in case of suspected head trauma and concussion, independently of the five substitutions" mentioned in the regulations.

Additionally, it will be "regardless of the number of substitutions made up to the point when it occurs."

The player who suffers a concussion or is suspected of having suffered one "cannot rejoin the match or participate in the penalty shootout," the regulation specified.

The rule also states that the team's doctor must submit a standardized form to Conmebol's medical commission within 24 hours after the match ends to assess cases of concussions.