This is a step that the charity has been calling for over a long period of time, and the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the game’s law-making body, is strongly encouraged to agree the request.
Currently a head injury assessment is carried out on the pitch and a permanent concussion substitution can be used. However, in reality there has been a reluctance for players to be withdrawn from the pitch.
Luke Griggs, Chief Executive of Headway, said “This would be a progressive development in better protecting the brain health of players,”
“Headway has repeatedly called for football to bring in temporary substitutes and, if this is confirmed, it will be warmly welcomed.
“The evolving nature of concussion means that a 10-minute off-pitch assessment will never be fool proof. But it will allow medics more time to make better informed decisions in the quiet confines of the dressing room, rather than snap judgements made on the pitch.”
A decision over whether the application from the leagues has been successful is expected in March next year at the IFAB annual general meeting.
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