The upcoming Copa América 2024 is set to be a groundbreaking tournament, not only because of the intense competition on the field but also due to significant advancements in gender equality and player safety. Female and assistant referees will be officiating for the first time a Copa America match, marking a significant milestone in the sport. A new pink card system will also be introduced to enhance player safety. These changes highlight CONMEBOL’s commitment to progress and innovation in football.
Historic Inclusion of Female Referees
Pioneering Women in Football
Marking a significant milestone in the history of Copa América, the tournament will witness the inclusion of female referees and assistant referees for the first time. This move not only signifies a major step forward for gender equality in football but also showcases the skills and professionalism of these female officials on one of the grandest stages in the sport.
Key Female Referees and Assistants
María Victoria Penso (USA): One of the referees for the tournament, bringing extensive experience and expertise.
Edina Alves (Brazil): Known for making history as the first woman to referee a senior men’s FIFA tournament at the Club World Cup in 2021.
Assistants:
- Neuza Back (Brazil)
- Mary Blanco (Colombia)
- Migdalia Rodríguez (Venezuela)
- Brooke Mayo (USA)
- Kathryn Nesbitt (USA)
- Tatiana Guzmán from Nicaragua will be a video review official, emphasizing the tournament’s diverse and inclusive approach.
Promoting Gender Equality
CONMEBOL’s initiative to include female officials is part of a broader commitment to promote gender equality in football. Since 2016, the organization has focused on developing and professionalizing more women on and off the field. This effort is evident in including female referees in the 2024 Olympic football tournament in France, where Penso, Mayo, and Nesbitt have been selected as match officials.
Collaboration with UEFA
In addition to the inclusion of female referees, the 2024 Copa América will feature officials from UEFA, the governing body for European soccer. This exciting partnership between CONMEBOL and UEFA is a testament to our shared commitment to enhancing the variety and quality of referees at the tournament, fostering a spirit of collaboration and mutual respect.
Introduction of the Pink Card for Player Safety
Enhancing Player Safety
The 2024 Copa América will also introduce a proactive pink card system to address the serious issue of head injuries in soccer. This innovative approach clearly demonstrates our commitment to player safety and well-being, providing a comprehensive protocol for concussion substitutes.
How the Pink Card System Works
Under the pink card System, the team’s coach can notify the primary referee or the fourth official if a player sustains a suspected concussion or head injury. This will prompt the display of the pink card, indicating the need for a substitution. Additional Substitute: After issuing a pink card, a sixth substitute may be used in the game. The opposing team will also be allowed an extra substitution to keep things fair.
No Return Policy: Under the pink card rule, a player substituted due to a suspected concussion cannot return to the field during the exact match.
This measure underscores CONMEBOL’s dedication to player health and safety, adding an extra layer of protection for athletes.
The Copa América 2024 is poised to be a landmark event for the thrilling football it promises and its pioneering steps towards inclusivity and player safety. The inclusion of female referees and assistants highlights the strides being made in gender equality within the sport. At the same time, introducing the pink card system demonstrates a proactive approach to player health. These innovations will contribute to a more progressive and safer football environment as the tournament unfolds, setting new standards for future competitions.