FIFA, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), has launched Suspect and Protect: No Match is Worth the Risk, a global concussion awareness campaign aimed at educating players, coaches, and medical professionals about the risks associated with traumatic brain injuries in football. The campaign was announced following the IFAB AGM in March 2024 and is part of FIFA’s Strategic Objectives for the Global Game: 2023–2027.
The initiative seeks to enhance knowledge on concussion risks, particularly recognizing symptoms and ensuring proper management during and after matches. It will be rolled out through FIFA’s global channels, with toolkits distributed to the 211 FIFA Member Associations for implementation at the national, regional, and local levels. This includes outreach to national teams, professional clubs, amateur leagues, grassroots organizations, and the general public.
A Call for Action on Concussions
Suspect and Protect is designed to address concussion concerns at every level of football, from elite athletes to youth players. The campaign emphasizes three key actions:
-
BE AWARE: The campaign encourages everyone involved in football—players, coaches, medical staff, parents, and carers—to recognize that concussion is a serious brain injury. Signs of concussion may include headaches, nausea, dizziness, balance problems, memory issues, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light or noise. The campaign stresses the importance of seeking urgent medical advice if a concussion is suspected.
-
SUSPECT: Any player who sustains a direct or indirect blow to the head, face, neck, or body should be assessed for concussion. Symptoms may not be immediately apparent and can take up to 72 hours to develop. Indicators such as memory problems, confusion, drowsiness, or difficulty focusing should raise concerns, and the player must be monitored closely.
-
PROTECT: If a player shows one or more symptoms of a concussion, they should leave the pitch immediately and be seen by a doctor within 24 hours. The campaign underlines that no player should return to the field without medical clearance, as concussion symptoms can evolve over time and sometimes worsen. Immediate medical attention may be required in severe cases, such as prolonged unconsciousness or worsening headaches.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed the urgency of this campaign, stating: “Concussion is a brain injury and should always be taken seriously. Playing football should be something enjoyed safely, by everyone, everywhere. By knowing the signs of concussion, being aware of the risks, and treating a concussion correctly, you can help to put player safety first.”
Global Endorsement and Expert Consultation
The Suspect and Protect campaign has received endorsements from players, coaches, and team doctors from across the globe. Developed through consultation with FIFA’s medical experts and WHO brain health specialists, the campaign aims to strengthen concussion awareness among football’s key stakeholders. The resources provided will guide national team staff, medical professionals, grassroots organizations, and amateur leagues on how to handle suspected concussions and ensure players return to play safely.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus echoed Infantino’s sentiments, emphasizing the campaign’s importance: “Concussion is a public health issue of concern at all levels of football, and many other sports, requiring greater levels of awareness and action. That is why WHO is proud to team up with FIFA on the Suspect and Protect campaign to promote ways to protect the brains of footballers, young and old, around the world from the risks of concussion.”
Implementation Across FIFA Member Associations
The campaign will be delivered globally via FIFA’s platforms, with customized materials to cater to different levels of football, from national teams to amateur leagues. The educational toolkits include guidance for players, coaches, medical staff, and parents on how to identify and respond to concussion symptoms.
One key message of the campaign is that no match is worth risking long-term brain injury. As part of this initiative, FIFA and WHO aim to ensure that football is played safely by increasing knowledge of the risks, especially in cases where symptoms may not appear immediately after an incident.
In addition to promoting concussion awareness, the campaign advocates for updated protocols and medical training at all levels of football to ensure that suspected concussions are handled with the utmost care. By providing players and teams with the necessary resources, the Suspect and Protect campaign aims to foster a safer environment for athletes worldwide.
