FIFA, during The IFAB’s 138th Annual General Meeting, has made permanent concussion substitutes a crucial component of the Laws of the Game. The move, hailed as a “very important step” by Mattias Grafström, FIFA Secretary General ad interim and Chair of The IFAB’s Board of Directors, underscores the organization’s commitment to player welfare and safety.
“We’re not afraid to take on responsibilities and we really want to base all our decisions on data and also medical advice,” stated Mr. Grafström following the meeting in Loch Lomond, Scotland. “This is also the basis [on which] we took the decision today on the permanent concussion substitution, which I think is a very important step moving forward.”
FIFA’s decision comes after extensive medical research and reflects a growing awareness of the risks associated with concussions in football. The global governing body also announced plans to launch a comprehensive campaign aimed at raising awareness about concussion symptoms and proper treatment protocols. Moreover, FIFA reiterated its commitment to investing in further medical expertise to address concussions effectively.
According to Noel Mooney, Chief Executive of the Football Association of Wales, player safety must take precedence over all other considerations. “If there’s any doubt about any player’s ability to continue due to a suspected concussion, then they should be taken off the pitch, they should be assessed properly,” Mooney emphasized. He stressed that no amount of time can guarantee a player’s safe return to the game following a concussion, highlighting the imperative of protecting players from potential harm.
Mooney emphasized the simplicity of the principle: “If there’s any doubt about player safety, then the player should be removed from the pitch.” The decision to prioritize player welfare underscores FIFA’s commitment to ensuring the health and safety of footballers worldwide.
The incorporation of permanent concussion substitutes into the Laws of the Game will take effect from 1 July 2024, marking a significant milestone in football’s ongoing efforts to safeguard its participants.
