On June 12, 2023, FIFA announced the introduction of stricter concussion protocols ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. These new guidelines will be enforced across all participating nations and are part of an ongoing effort to enhance player safety and tackle the increasing concerns regarding head injuries in women’s football.
The new concussion protocols, announced just ahead of the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, include a mandatory 10-minute on-field assessment for any player suspected of having suffered a concussion during a match. If a player is diagnosed with a concussion, they will be immediately removed from the game and will not be permitted to return for at least the remainder of the match, with further medical evaluations required before they can return to play.
FIFA’s decision to enforce these rules comes after increasing pressure from medical professionals, players, and the public over the risks of head injuries in football. Studies have shown that repeated concussions or head impacts in sports like football can lead to long-term cognitive and neurological problems, especially in women athletes, who may be more susceptible to such injuries due to physiological differences.
This move is also part of FIFA’s wider commitment to improving the health and safety of all players. The new protocol follows in the footsteps of other international sporting bodies that have tightened concussion regulations in recent years. Notably, FIFA has also invested in better player education regarding concussion recognition and recovery, and its new guidelines will be incorporated into training camps leading up to the Women’s World Cup.
Dr. Michel D’Hooghe expressed the committee’s dedication to ensuring that players’ well-being remains the top priority: “We have an ethical responsibility to protect the players, and these new protocols reflect FIFA’s commitment to safeguarding their health and careers.”
The 2023 Women’s World Cup, which begins in July, will serve as a major platform for the implementation of these new concussion guidelines, signaling an important milestone in the ongoing efforts to improve safety in women’s football.
