FIFA, WHO declares concussion ‘serious brain injury’

Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Member Associations, in partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO), has launched a concussion awareness campaign in line with the Strategic Objectives for the Global Game 2023-2027 to increase sign and symptom recognition among players, coaches, medical staff, as well as the general public.

To make the game safer for all, the campaign termed “Suspect and Protect: No Match is Worth the Risk” was developed through extensive consultation with FIFA Medical and WHO brain health experts to raise awareness of the fact that concussion is a traumatic brain injury and a risk to every player on the pitch.

The campaign also highlights that symptoms may take up to 72 hours to appear and offers guidance on how to return to play safely following a suspected or confirmed concussion.

While toolkits are being distributed to the 211 FIFA Member Associations for delivery at a national, regional and local level, the tailored resources are designed to empower national team stakeholders, professional clubs and leagues and grassroots and amateur communities.

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino remarked that concussion is a brain injury that should always be taken seriously.

He also added that playing football should be something enjoyed safely by everyone, everywhere, and by knowing the signs of concussion, being aware of the risks, and treating a concussion correctly, a player’s safety is made paramount.

“A big thank you to FIFA’s member associations for their efforts in launching with us and for following the advice provided by our colleagues at the World Health Organisation,” he added.

WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, explained that concussion is a public health issue of concern at all levels of football, and many other sports, requiring greater levels of awareness and action.

He continued that WHO is proud to team up with FIFA on the ‘Suspect and Protect’ campaign to promote ways to protect the brains of footballers, young and old, around the world from the risks of concussion.

According to WHO, anyone who sustains a direct or indirect impact to their head, face, neck or body, should be assessed for concussion symptoms which may take up to 72 hours to present.

They include headache or ‘pressure’ sensation, nausea or vomiting, problems with balance, dizziness or being unsteady on feet, distorted/blurry or double vision, sensitivity to light and/or noise, memory problems (difficulty recalling the traumatic event, and/or events before or after), feeling drowsy, confused or unable to focus, as well as experiencing sleep problems.

They also advised that anyone presenting with one or more concussion symptoms should be allowed to leave the pitch immediately and see a doctor within 24 hours.

WHO also warns that the symptoms of a concussion can change or evolve within the minutes, hours, days, and even weeks after the traumatic event.

“Some symptoms require urgent medical attention. Players should follow medical guidance on return to play. No match is worth the risk.”FIFA, WHO says ‘concussion a serious brain injury’
By Ijeoma Nwanosike

Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Member Associations in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a concussion awareness campaign in line with the Strategic Objectives for the Global Game 2023–2027 to increase sign and symptom recognition among players, coaches, medical staff as well as the general public.

To make the game safer for all, the campaign termed “Suspect and Protect: No Match is Worth the Risk” was developed through extensive consultation with FIFA Medical and WHO brain health experts to raise awareness of the fact that concussion is a traumatic brain injury and a risk to every player on the pitch.

The campaign also highlights that symptoms may take up to 72 hours to appear and offers guidance on how to return to play safely following a suspected or confirmed concussion.

While toolkits are being distributed to the 211 FIFA Member Associations for delivery at a national, regional and local level, the tailored resources are designed to empower national team stakeholders, professional clubs and leagues and grassroots and amateur communities.

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino remarked that concussion is a brain injury that should always be taken seriously.

He also added that playing football should be something enjoyed safely by everyone, everywhere, and by knowing the signs of concussion, being aware of the risks, and treating a concussion correctly, a player’s safety is made paramount.

“A big thank you to FIFA’s member associations for their efforts in launching with us and for following the advice provided by our colleagues at the World Health Organisation,” he added.

WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, explained that concussion is a public health issue of concern at all levels of football, and many other sports, requiring greater levels of awareness and action.

He continued that WHO is proud to team up with FIFA on the ‘Suspect and Protect’ campaign to promote ways to protect the brains of footballers, young and old, around the world from the risks of concussion.

According to WHO, anyone who sustains a direct or indirect impact to their head, face, neck or body, should be assessed for concussion symptoms, which may take up to 72 hours to present.

They include headache or ‘pressure’ sensation, nausea or vomiting, problems with balance, dizziness or being unsteady on feet, distorted/blurry or double vision, sensitivity to light and/or noise, memory problems (difficulty recalling the traumatic event, and/or events before or after), feeling drowsy, confused or unable to focus, as well as experiencing sleep problems.

They also advised that anyone presenting with one or more concussion symptoms should be allowed to leave the pitch immediately and see a doctor within 24 hours.

WHO also warns that the symptoms of a concussion can change or evolve within the minutes, hours, days, and even weeks after the traumatic event.

“Some symptoms require urgent medical attention. Players should follow medical guidance on return to play. No match is worth the risk.”