Doctors should be allowed a more active role to assess injured players during football games, senior neurologists said today.
They spoke out following the conclusion of the World Cup – and Germany’s victory.
The neurologists say only healthcare professionals should decide whether an injured player is fit to return to the game.
One particular incident caused concern when England played Uruguay.
Uruguayan defender Álvaro Pereira collapsed with concussion following a collision – but then insisted on returning to the game.
Editors of The Lancet Neurology warn of long-term effects from concussion, pointing out that injuries to the brain may not always be obvious.
They write: “Many sporting organisations now acknowledge the potentially serious consequences of mild traumatic brain injury and have drawn up new protocols to protect athletes who sustain a head injury.
"However FIFPro, the world players’ union, has called for an investigation of concussion protocols and return-to-play standards following Pereira’s injury."
The Lancet Neurology 14 July 2014 [abstract]
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