Football moves one step closer to concussion substitutes

English news outlet the Telegraph has reported that FIFA is considering introducing concussion substitutes from next season after a landmark study by the Glasgow Brain Injury Research Group. The report went on to add that the study found that former footballers had suffered disproportionately from a range of neurological disease. However, the Telegraph has added that the International Football Association Board were already due to consider concussion substitutes at their next meeting.

The Glasgow study was funded by the FA (Football Association) and the Telegraph went on to add that the biggest change is the time given to doctors. The FA has insisted that doctors need more time to assess head injuries and will, therefore, permit a window so that the player can be temporarily replaced. FIFpro, UEFA and the Premier League are all set to back concussion substitutes which could be compared to the head injury protocol put in place for the rugby union.

The Telegraph further added that FIFA themselves are now open to having a ten minute assessment period where doctors are allowed enough time to asses a player. Not only that, football’s governing body is ready to hand out sanctions to clubs, national sides and managers who do not follow the rules or take advantage of them.