FIFA chiefs launch new concussion campaign after Raphael Varane's "damage" warning
FIFA have brought in new guidance for clubs across the world to spot signs of concussion having teamed up with the World Health Organisation after Raphael Varane spoke out
by John Cross · The MirrorFIFA president Gianni Infantino has pledged to put “player safety first” with a new concussion campaign.
Football's world governing body has teamed up with the World Health Organisation to launch the “Suspect and Protect: No Match is Worth the Risk” programme.
FIFA medics have consulted with leading brain experts to raise awareness and also have the long term aim of introducing specialist checks at the highest level all the way down to grassroots.
Former Manchester United defender Raphael Varane is one of the most high-profile to speak out on the dangers as he said he suffered concussion while on World Cup duty with France and other incidents had “damaged his body.”
Infantino said: “Concussion is a brain injury and should always be taken seriously. Playing football should be something enjoyed safely, by everyone, everywhere.
“By knowing the signs of concussion, by being aware of the risks, and by treating a concussion correctly, you can help to put player safety first. 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.”
FIFA say the campaign is built around three major parts:
BE AWARE: Whether a player, coach, team doctor, parent or carer, it is important to understand that concussion is a traumatic brain injury and should always be taken seriously. Everyone should know the common signs of concussion as well as when to seek urgent medical advice.
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SUSPECT: Anyone who sustains a direct or indirect impact to their head, face, neck or body, should be assessed for concussion symptoms. Symptoms 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, sleep problems.
PROTECT: Anyone presenting with one or more concussion symptoms should leave the pitch immediately. A doctor must be seen as soon as possible and within 24 hours. 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.
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