Copa America Penalty and Extra Time Rules Explained as Argentina's Messi Eyes Another Title

• The 2024 CONMEBOL Copa America will not have extra time in case of a draw but will go straight to penalties, excluding the final
• The rule has been in place since the tournament started, with only the 2011 edition, won by Uruguay, having extra time before the last tie
• Sports Brief looks at the feasible reason why organisers have never introduced the rule which is used the world over in major tourneys

Social media was set ablaze, almost literally, after news 'broke' that the 2024 CONMEBOL Copa America would not have extra time in case of a tie in the knockout stages.

Quarter-final and semi-final games that end in a stalemate after 90 minutes will head directly to penalties to decide the winner. Only the final will have extra time, with the possibility of penalty shootouts.

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Fans have reacted to this 'revelation', with @ReyesDeUniverso commenting:

"The most unserious and irrelevant football tournament in international football right now, unfortunately."

However, unknown to many, the rule has been in place in all Copa America tournaments, with the exception of 2011, held in Argentina, where most of the knock-out fixtures (before the final) were decided after extra time.

The competition's detractors have often faulted its organisation, stating it is irregular and doesn't conform with other major competitions.

Due to fewer teams in South America, Copa America doesn't have the Round of 16 and at times, are forced to invite teams from other continents to participate.

The scheduling of the completion was also highly irregular between 2011 and 2021, with back-to-back tournaments in 2015 and 2016.

Why Copa America doesn't have extra time

On the extra time issue, it is important to note that no official explanation has ever been given, as this has been the norm since the first tournament held in 1916.

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One of the feasible reasons why there is no extra time might have something to do with the weather conditions in South America. Britannica reports that the average temperature of the continent is around 30 degrees Celsius, which might be physically demanding for the players if the game lasts 120 minutes.

Given the intensity of the games, which are played in quick succession with little time for recovery, it also makes sense for the organisers to avoid adding 30 more minutes. For instance, the finalists of Copa America 2024 will have played an average of one match every three days.

Despite being a major tournament played by world-leading players of yesteryears and the current generation like Pele, Diego Maradona, and Lionel Messi, Copa America has never changed its rules to conform to other major tournaments.

The FA Cup in England used to have replays in its lower rounds in case the games ended in a draw, but that has also been scrapped ahead of next season.

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Copa America 2024 quarter-finals

Uruguay taking on Brazil will headline this round after the latter failed to win their group. Uruguay has been on a roll under Marcelo Bielsa and are one of the favourites to win the trophy alongside holders Argentina.

Which teams will compete in the 2024 Copa America quarter-finals?

Argentina vs Ecuador

Venezuela vs Canada

Uruguay vs Brazil

Colombia vs Panama.

Team Argentina could face in Copa America knockouts

Sports Brief also previously looked at the possible route Messi could take to Copa America's final.

The defending champions made light work of Group A, earning maximum points without conceding.

Messi is eyeing a third major trophy after winning it in 2021 and then claiming the 2022 World Cup.