What are the suspension rules for yellow cards in the Copa América 2024?

Players taking part in the Copa América 2024 must be on their best behaviour from matchday two of the group stage onwards, the earliest point at which suspension rules related to yellow cards lead to bans.

Copa América yellow card suspension rules

Any player who is shown two yellow cards up to and including the quarter-finals much serve an immediate one-match suspension. That means players who are booked in the opening two group games will miss the third one, while receiving a second caution in the quarter-finals will result in the offender being banned for the semi-finals.

Brazil defender Eder Militão, Chilean attacker Alexis Sánchez, Argentina’s Giovani Lo Celso and USMNT midfielder Weston McKennie are among the biggest names to have been booked in their nations’ opening group fixtures in the tournament.

The rules mean there is even the possibility of a player being suspended on two separate occasions, should they be yellow carded in the opening two group games, and then again in the round of 16 and quarter-finals.

When are yellow cards reset in the Copa América 2024?

Accumulated yellow cards are wiped from players’ records following the conclusion of the quarter-finals, with the aim of reducing the likelihood of suspensions in the final. The only way a player can be banned for the Copa América 2024 final is if they receive a red card (directly, or two yellows) in the semi-finals.

What are the suspension rules for red cards in the Copa América?

As is almost always the case in the majority of competitions, any player who is sent off is automatically given a one-match suspension for his team’s next fixture. The length of the ban could be increased if CONMEBOL feel the offence committed warrants it.

Ecuador captain Enner Valencia was the only player to be shown a red card on matchday one of the group stage for accidentally catching Venezuela midfielder José Martínez in the face with a high boot in the penalty area.

The 34-year-old was handed an initial one-game ban as a result of the incident, preventing him from playing in La Tri’s second match in Group B against Jamaica in Las Vegas.

Why was Timothy Weah sent off against Panama?

On matchday two, the USMNT’s Tim Weah was next to be sent off after needless lashing out at an opponent off the ball in the match against Panama. He was initially booked for the incident, but the punishment was upgraded to a red after a VAR review. He now faces a nervous wait to see if CONMEBOL add to the automatic one-match ban.