In line with the Strategic Goals for the World Game: 2023–2027 and following the announcement at the IFAB General Assembly in March 2024, FIFA is launching Suspicion and protection: No match is worth the riska concussion awareness campaign in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO).
The campaign aims to raise awareness that concussions are a traumatic brain injury and pose a risk to every player on the field. It has been approved by players, coaches and team doctors from all over the world.
It was developed through extensive consultation with FIFA Medical and WHO brain health experts You 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 notes that symptoms can take up to 72 hours to appear and offers guidance on how to safely return to play after a suspected or confirmed concussion. These tailored resources are designed to empower interested national teams, professional clubs and leagues, and grassroots and amateur communities.
You suspect and protect will be delivered globally across all FIFA channels, while the toolkits are distributed to FIFA’s 211 Member Associations for delivery at national, regional and local levels.
“Concussion is a brain injury and should always be taken seriously. Playing football should be something enjoyed safely by everyone, everywhere,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “Knowing the signs of concussion, being aware of the risks and treating a concussion properly can help put player safety first.
“A big thank you to FIFA’s member associations for their efforts to start with us and for following the advice of our colleagues at the World Health Organization.”
Concussion is a public health issue affecting all levels of football, and many other sports, that requires greater levels of awareness and action. This is why the WHO is proud to partner with FIFA in You suspect and protect campaign to promote ways to protect the brains of football players, young and old, around the world from the dangers of concussion.”
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General
The campaign is based on three main points of action for audiences within national teams, professional clubs and leagues and amateur and grassroots communities.
INFORMATION: Whether a player, coach, team doctor, parent or caregiver, it is important to understand that a concussion is a traumatic brain injury and should always be taken seriously. Everyone should know the common signs of concussion and when to seek emergency medical advice.
SUSPECT: Anyone with a direct or indirect impact to their head, face, neck, or body should be evaluated for concussion symptoms. Symptoms may take up to 72 hours to appear. They include headache or “pressure” feeling, nausea or vomiting, balance problems, dizziness or unsteadiness in the legs, distortion/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 concentrate, sleep problems.
PROTECT: Anyone showing one or more concussion symptoms should leave the field immediately. The doctor should be seen as soon as possible and within 24 hours. The symptoms of a concussion 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 when returning to play. No fight is worth the risk.
