- The Suspect and Protect campaign will shine a spotlight on the risks of concussion in football and provide educational resources for everyone
- Knowing the signs and symptoms of a potential concussion and protecting players is essential to ensuring everyone's safety.
- This international campaign is the result of a partnership between the World Health Organization (WHO) and FIFA, with the support of its member associations.
As part of its 2023-2027 strategic objectives for global football, and following the measures announced on the occasion of theIFAB Annual General Meeting in March 2024, FIFA launches concussion awareness campaign Suspect and protect: No game is worth playing with your health, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO).
This the countryside aims to raise awareness about concussions, a head injury that all players are exposed to. It has received support from players, coaches and team doctors around the world.
The result of extensive discussions between FIFA's Medical Subdivision and WHO brain health experts, the campaign Suspect and protect aims to help players, coaches, medical staff and the general public to better recognise the signs and symptoms associated with concussion. The campaign highlights that these can appear up to 72 hours after the impact and offers advice on how to return to play safely after a potential or confirmed concussion. These resources are specifically designed to strengthen the capacity of national teams, professional clubs and leagues, as well as those involved in grassroots and amateur football.
Campaign promotion Suspect and protect will be rolled out globally across all FIFA communication channels. Educational resources will also be made available to FIFA’s 211 member associations for sharing at all levels (national, regional and local).
“A concussion is a head injury and should always be taken seriously. Football is a sport that everyone should be able to play safely, in all circumstances,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “By learning how to spot the signs of concussion and treat it properly, and by knowing the associated risks, we can put the health of players at the centre of the equation.”
"I thank FIFA's member associations for participating in the launch of this campaign and following the advice given by our colleagues at the WHO."
“Concussion is a serious public health issue at all levels of football and many other sports, and more awareness and action is needed,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “That is why WHO is proud to partner with FIFA on the campaign Suspect and protect, to jointly promote brain health among footballers around the world, young and old.
The campaign is structured around three main axes aimed at national teams, professional clubs and leagues, as well as amateur and grassroots football players.
BE VIGILANT : Whether you are a player, coach, team physician, parent or guardian, you must understand that concussion is a head injury that should always be taken seriously. Learn to recognize the most common signs of concussion and seek emergency medical attention if needed.
SUSPECT: Anyone who has received a direct or indirect blow to the head, face, neck, or any other part of the body should be evaluated for symptoms of a potential concussion. Symptoms can appear up to 72 hours after the blow. Symptoms include, but are not limited to: headache or pressure, nausea or vomiting, loss of balance or dizziness, vision changes (distorted, blurred, or double vision), sensitivity to light and/or noise, memory problems (difficulty remembering the injury, and/or events before or after), drowsiness, confusion, or difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances.
PROTECT : Anyone experiencing one or more symptoms should leave the field immediately. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible, and in any case within 24 hours of the impact. Concussion symptoms can change or evolve in the minutes, hours, days or even weeks following the impact. Some symptoms require urgent medical attention. Players should follow the recommendations of their doctors regarding return to play. No game is worth playing with your health.
