Campaigners, including medical experts and the families of former players diagnosed with conditions such as Alzheimer’s, are calling for urgent action to be taken, accusing authorities of dragging their feet.
Now, however, the FA has agreed to form to a collaboration with the Professional Footballers’ Association to examine what research should be done into the potential risks of brain injury caused by heading footballs.
Peter McCabe, Chief Executive of Headway, said: "We welcome news that the FA and PFA will now work together to conduct research that will not only to address what has gone before, but what is happening in the sport today.
"The families of those affected deserve answers that have for too long been denied them. We know a great deal more about the brain today than we did in the 1960s and 70s. What is still unclear is the extent to which heading old-style, heavy leather footballs could have contributed to players developing neurological conditions.
"Further research is also urgently needed to assess whether there is any risk to heading modern, lightweight footballs.
"Sport plays an important role in keeping us fit and healthy. It is important that all measures to increase player welfare are done with a common sense approach that does not discourage people from taking part in sports that take a responsible approach to head injuries.
“Until robust evidence is presented to categorically show that heading a football can damage one’s brain, we should continue to encourage participation in sports at all levels, while focusing upon better management of concussion."
Headway recently launched a new Concussion Aware campaign to urge grassroots sports clubs across the UK to more effectively identify the signs of concussion and take an 'if in doubt, sit it out' approach to head injuries.
- Make the pledge to be #ConcussionAware by visiting the official campaign page at www.concussionaware.org.uk.
