What you should know
Concussions can seriously affect a player’s wellbeing
While not as frequent or obvious as muscle or bone injuries, concussions can have significant repercussions on both a player’s short and long-term health.
FIFPRO actively encourages education and reassessment of the issue
This includes a mandatory pre-season education programme for all players, as well as strongly advocating for a 10-minute concussion review (in place of the current three) with the use of a temporary substitute during this period.
Football’s current standards are insufficient
Despite attempts from FIFPRO, player unions and various competitions, the process of improving concussion management standards through IFAB is proving to be a slow and difficult process. Competition organisers and regulators should provide appropriate protection frameworks for players.
FIFPRO is leading pioneering research
FIFPRO is leading research to provide better care for those who do endure a concussion. However, better prevention measures should be in place to protect players.
FIFPRO and unions collaborate for headers and concussions pilot project
In partnership with the Finnish and Israeli player unions, the study looked especially at the exposure to headers in elite men’s and women’s football and their effects on ocular markers.
Latest news
Moshiko Mishaelof: “If your team-mate is concussed, take him off”
Former Israeli player Moshiko Mishaelof is still suffering from a concussion he sustained in 2016. Now the CEO of Israel’s player union IFPO, Moshiko and his team are raising awareness to help players avoid suffering the same experience.
“It is essential to improve the recognition and management of concussion in professional football so that the players’ health can be protected on the short- and long-term. ”
— by FIFPRO Chief Medical Officer Dr. Vincent Gouttebarge
