Zurich, March 03 (QNA) – The decision to make permanent concussion substitutes part of the Laws of the Game, taken by The International Football Association Board (IFAB) at its 138th Annual General Meeting in Loch Lomond, Scotland, was based on extensive medical research and out of concern for the welfare of the players.
FIFA stated today that the laws of the game will also provide for additional permanent substitutions in cases of concussion, but it remains an option left to individual competition organizers to implement.
IFAB indicated that the decision to make permanent concussion substitutes part of the Laws of the Game, and was based on extensive medical research and out of concern for the welfare of the players. The decision will be incorporated into the next edition of the Laws of the Game, which will come into effect on 1 July 2024.
“I think were not afraid to take on responsibilities and we really want to base all our decisions on data and also medical advice,” said FIFA Secretary General ad interim Mattias Grafstrom. “This is also the basis on which we took the decision today on the permanent concussion substitution, which I think is a very important step moving forward,” added Grafstrom, who was confirmed as the new Chair of The IFABs Board of Directors.
FIFA also confirmed that it would launch a global campaign to raise awareness of how to recognize the symptoms of concussion and treat them appropriately, and that it would continue to invest in gathering more medical expertise about concussions. (QNA)