FIFA and the World Health Organization are launching a global concussion awareness campaign

In line with the Strategic Goals for the Global Game: 2023 – 2027 and further to be announced at IFAB AGM in March 2024FIFA starts up Suspect and protect: No date is worth the riskconcussion awareness campaign, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO).

The campaign aims to raise awareness of the fact that a concussion is a traumatic brain injury and a risk for every player on the field. He was supported by players, coaches and team doctors from all over the world.

Developed through extensive consultation with FIFA Medical and WHO brain health experts, Suspect and protect The campaign aims to increase recognition of signs and symptoms among players, coaches and medical staff, as well as the general public. The campaign highlights that it can take up to 72 hours for symptoms to appear and offers guidance on how to safely return to play after a suspected or confirmed concussion. These customized resources are designed to empower national team stakeholders, professional clubs and leagues, and local and amateur communities.

Suspect and protect will be delivered globally through FIFA's channels, while the toolkits are distributed to FIFA's 211 member associations for delivery at national, regional and local levels.

“A concussion is a brain injury and should always be taken seriously. Playing soccer should be something that everyone, everywhere can enjoy,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “By knowing the signs of concussion, being aware of the risks and treating concussions properly, you can help 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 of our colleagues at the World Health Organization.”

“Concussion is a public health problem of concern at all levels of football and many other sports, requiring a greater level of awareness and action,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This is why WHO is proud to partner with FIFA to Suspect and protect campaign to promote ways to protect the brains of soccer players, young and old, around the world from the risk of concussions.”

The campaign is built around three main points of action for audiences within national teams, professional clubs and leagues, and amateur and grassroots communities.

BE AWARE: Whether it's a player, coach, team doctor, parent or caregiver, it's important to understand that a concussion is a traumatic brain injury and should always be taken seriously. Everyone should know the common signs of a concussion and when to seek emergency medical advice.

SUSPECTS: Anyone who suffers a direct or indirect blow to the head, face, neck, or body should be evaluated for concussion symptoms. It may take up to 72 hours for symptoms to appear. These include headache or feeling of “pressure”, nausea or vomiting, balance problems, dizziness or unsteadiness on your feet, distorted/blurred or double vision, sensitivity to light and/or noise, memory problems (difficulty recalling the traumatic event and/or events before or after), feeling sleepy, confused or unable to focus, sleep problems.

PROTECT: Anyone with one or more symptoms of a concussion should leave the field immediately. The doctor needs it as soon as possible and within 24 hours. Concussion symptoms can change or develop within minutes, hours, days, and even weeks after the traumatic event. Some symptoms require immediate medical attention. Players should follow medical instructions upon returning to play. No match is worth the risk.

Editor's notes

Suspect and protect it will be available via FIFA channels in Arabic, English, French, German, Portuguese (Brazilian) and Spanish, and will be adapted by associations in additional languages.

WHO's work on brain health: WHO works with countries to promote optimal brain development and functioning, neurological health and well-being throughout life. Key activities include policy strengthening, service delivery, health information systems, research and technology, with a focus on low- and middle-income countries; providing technical assistance to develop integrated, person-centred approaches to brain health that prioritize promotion, prevention, treatment, care and rehabilitation; and promoting increased investment, interagency cooperation and engagement across a range of sectors globally.

More about WHO's work on brain health