What you should know
Injuries can have a greater impact on footballers than other members of the population
Lack of recovery time coupled with inconsistent standards of playing surfaces and equipment can trigger injuries and aggravate their consequences on short- and long-term (e.g., osteoarthritis)
Continuous research is necessary to set industry standards
FIFPRO collaborates with a variety of health professionals to thoroughly investigate the effects on injuries on both a player’s physical and mental health. This research provides principles and guidelines for best practice at all stages of a player’s career – including the period of transitioning out of football which can be especially difficult to navigate.
There are a number of challenges to contend with
Issues such as medical facilities, fixture schedules, and playing surfaces (such as the use of artificial turf) need to be addressed in terms of how they contribute to both sustaining and recovering from injuries. These conditions are particularly prominent in the women’s game, where financial inequality has led to insufficient care.
