What you should know
Injuries can have a greater impact on footballers than other members of the population
A lack of recovery time, coupled with inconsistent standards of playing surfaces and equipment, can trigger injuries and aggravate their consequences.
Continuous research is necessary to set industry standards
FIFPRO collaborates with a variety of health professionals to thoroughly investigate the effects of 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.
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.
Dr Alex Culvin: Are we asking the right questions on ACL injuries?
Many players, some at the peak of their careers, are enduring lengthy lay-offs after suffering ACL injuries. As we look for answers, FIFPRO’s Head of Strategy and Research (Women's Football) Dr Alex Culvin challenges the industry to critically consider: are we asking the right questions?
