Copa America 2024 is nearing its thrilling climax with two mouth-watering semifinal clashes lined up for Tuesday and Wednesday.
Will Lionel Messi and Argentina continue their dominance, following on from Copa America 2021 and World Cup 2022, with another title? Could Colombia or Uruguay continue their impressive tournaments and claim glory? Or will Canada spring an almost unbelievable surprise and seize the crown?
The Copa America traditionally boasts some of the best technical footballers in the world. However, the physical nature of the game means that yellow cards (and occasional red cards) are inevitable — especially when the tournament reaches these critical stages.
Ahead of the semifinals kicking off, The Sporting News looks at the suspension picture, and how it impacts the selection pools at coaches' disposal for the high-stakes grand finale.
MORE: What Copa America matches are on today?
Can players be suspended for Copa America 2024 semifinals?
Any player receiving a red card (either directly or due to two yellow cards in one game) during any point of Copa America 2024 will automatically be issued with a one-match ban.
However, CONMEBOL's disciplinary committee could increase that punishment if it believed that the offence warranted more than the automatic suspension. Any player sent off in the final will see their suspension carried over to the country's next competitive match.
USMNT winger Tim Weah was given a two-match ban after he received a straight red card in the 18th minute of the Copa America group match against Panama for an unsporting play off the ball.
Any player who is shown two yellow cards up to and including the quarterfinals must serve an immediate one-match ban. That means players who are booked in the opening two group games miss the third one, while picking up a second caution in the quarterfinals results in the player being banned for the semifinals.
Brazil attacker Vinicius Jr. was among the biggest names to have served a costly one-match ban through this ruling, missing the quarterfinal penalty-shootout defeat to Uruguay. The Real Madrid star was booked in two of Brazil's three group-stage games, first in the 83rd minute against Paraguay and then in the seventh minute of the group finale against Colombia.
Can players be suspended for Copa America 2024 final?
Accumulated yellow cards are wiped clear from players' records following the conclusion of the quarterfinals, with the aim of reducing the likelihood of suspensions for the final. The only way a player can be banned for the Copa America 2024 final is if they receive a red card (directly, or via two yellows) in the semifinals.