This archive report was first published on 14 May 2020.
On August 17, 2016, Neymar of Brazil kissed the ball before scoring a penalty goal against Honduras in the Men's Football Tournament Semifinal at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Fast forward to 2020, CONMEBOL has taken drastic measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 in South America's Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana. The region's football governing body has introduced new rules, effective immediately, to minimize the risk of transmission.
According to CONMEBOL, players are now prohibited from spitting and kissing the ball, as well as blowing mucus from their nose. They are also not allowed to swap shirts after the game and must use their own personal water bottles. Additionally, face masks must be worn during post-match interviews and by substitutes on the bench.
The Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana were suspended in March due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, and new start dates have yet to be decided.
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