Conmebol approves changes in Libertadores and Sudamericana regulations
The Conmebol approved on Wednesday changes in the regulations of the Libertadores and Sudamericana Cups, and elaborated a new sanitary protocol against Covid-19 that will govern when the competitions resume, which prohibits, among others, the exchange of shirts and spitting or blowing the nose on the field.
The new extensive provisions were approved by the executive council after the teleconference between representatives of the 10 member national associations.
According to the new regulations, Conmebol is empowered to request at any time information from a player or official related to their medical history and order additional Covid-19 tests before matches or during training periods.
"Those who refuse to take the test will not be able to participate in the competitions organized by Conmebol," emphasizes the new rule.
The new rules that will be present in this year's tournaments are:
- Prohibition for players and officials to spit and blow their noses before, during and after the match in the competition area (playing field, reserve bench).
- Prohibition for players and officials to kiss the ball before, during and after the match.
- Obligation for players and officials to undergo temperature checks before the match.
- Obligation for players and officials to use individual water bottles or isotonic drinks.
- Prohibition to exchange/give away shirts or any other part of the kit with opponents or teammates or any other person.
- Mandatory use of masks for players and officials on the substitute bench.
- Prohibited exchange of pennants or presents between both captains.
- In the event that flash interviews and/or post-match press conferences are allowed, a mask or face shield must be used.
Changes in good faith lists
Likewise, players, coaching staff, and referees will undergo temperature checks before each match, while the use of masks or face shields will be mandatory in press conferences.
Conmebol also made modifications to the section of the good faith lists (registered players) that clubs submitted before the tournaments.
In the Libertadores, which was suspended in mid-March, five substitutions will be allowed in the rosters when the group stage resumes.
In the round of 16, the registration of five new players will also be allowed, three for the quarter-finals and an equal number in the semi-finals.
In the Sudamericana, which played the first phase in February and awaits a draw for the schedule design of the second round, five substitutions were approved in the lists as soon as the competition resumes, and three for the round of 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals.
The expansion of the new coronavirus pandemic in South America forced Conmebol in mid-March to postpone this year's Copa America to 2021, which was to be held in Colombia and Argentina between June and July.
Also, and after FIFA's approval, the start of the South American qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup, whose first two rounds were scheduled for March 26-27 and 31, was postponed to September. (D)