FIFA’s Silence on Sports Concussion: A Growing Concern
Edmond Sorich
I am a goal driven professional with diverse and successful achievements across the biomedical and health industries. Passionate about closing the gap between practitioner and patient. Currently at GLIA Diagnostics.
In recent years, sports organisations worldwide have faced increasing scrutiny over how they handle player safety, particularly the issue of concussions. From the NFL in the United States to rugby governing bodies globally, there has been a clear acknowledgment of the long-term risks of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Yet, FIFA, the world’s most powerful football organisation, has been notably silent, sparking concerns among players, advocates, and medical professionals.
The Magnitude of the Issue
Football (soccer) might not seem as physically punishing as contact sports like American football or rugby, but the risk of concussions is significant. Headers, accidental collisions, and falls are all potential triggers for TBIs. Research has shown that even sub-concussive impacts—like the frequent heading of the ball—can contribute to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition.
According to a study published in The Lancet Neurology, retired football players are three and a half times more likely to die from neurodegenerative diseases compared to the general population. With billions of players and fans worldwide, the stakes are monumental.
FIFA’s Inadequate Response
Despite mounting evidence and calls for action, FIFA has yet to implement meaningful, consistent concussion protocols across its competitions. Current guidelines often leave decisions about player fitness to return to the field up to team doctors, who can face immense pressure during high-stakes matches. The organisation’s reactive stance contrasts starkly with other sports bodies, such as:
FIFA’s lack of urgency is particularly glaring given the high-profile incidents that have unfolded on their watch. For instance, in the 2014 World Cup final, Germany’s Christoph Kramer was allowed to continue playing after a clear concussion, only to be substituted shortly afterwards due to disorientation. Such incidents highlight the inadequacy of FIFA’s existing measures.
The Need for Leadership and Reform
FIFA’s position as the global governing body of football gives it unparalleled influence. It has the resources, reach, and responsibility to lead in protecting players’ long-term health. Yet, its failure to prioritise concussion safety raises critical questions:
A Call to Action
The silence from FIFA cannot continue. Players, fans, and advocacy groups must demand accountability. Protecting athletes should never be optional or subject to financial or political interests. FIFA needs to acknowledge the gravity of concussion-related risks and act decisively to ensure football is not just beautiful but also safe for everyone who plays it.
The world is watching, and time is running out for FIFA to step up and show it truly cares about the well-being of the athletes who make the sport what it is. Without meaningful action, the organisation risks losing credibility and the trust of the very players it claims to serve.
The Story Continues
FIFA, the global governing body for football, has faced criticism for its handling of concussion protocols and player safety. Despite implementing guidelines and initiatives, there have been notable instances where these measures were inadequately applied, raising concerns about FIFA's commitment to effectively addressing sports-related concussions.
Inadequate Implementation of Concussion Protocols
During the 2018 FIFA World Cup, a study published in JAMA Neurology revealed that FIFA's concussion protocols were not followed in at least 63.3% of head collision events that exhibited two or more signs of concussion. When evaluations did occur, the average on-field assessment lasted less than one minute and lacked standardisation.
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JAMA NETWORK
Delayed Adoption of Concussion Substitutions
FIFA has been slow to adopt concussion substitution rules. It wasn't until March 2024 that the International Football Association Board (IFAB), with FIFA's support, approved the use of permanent concussion substitutes. This decision came after extensive medical research and was aimed at prioritising player welfare.
FIFA INSIDE
Recent Initiatives
In September 2024, FIFA partnered with the World Health Organization to launch the "Suspect and Protect: No Match is Worth the Risk" campaign. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the risks of traumatic brain injuries and provide educational resources on concussion management.
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
Ongoing Concerns
Despite these efforts, incidents continue to highlight deficiencies in FIFA's approach. For example, in May 2024, Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson suffered a head injury during a match but was allowed to continue playing before eventually being substituted. This incident led to renewed calls for the implementation of temporary concussion substitutes to allow proper medical assessments without disadvantaging teams.
REUTERS
These instances suggest that while FIFA has made strides in addressing concussion concerns, the inconsistent application of protocols and delayed implementation of protective measures indicate a need for more decisive and proactive action to safeguard player health.
References
#FIFA #sportsconcussion #tbi #safertp #grassrootsfootball #HIA #SCAT5failing