FIFA and the World Health Organization launch a global concussion awareness campaign

In line with the Strategic Objectives for World Sport: 2023–2027 and following the announcement at the IFAB AGM in March 2024, FIFA is launching Doubts and Defenses: No Game Is Worth Riskingconflict awareness campaign, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO).

The campaign aims to raise awareness of the fact that concussion is a serious brain injury and is a risk to every player on the field. It has been adopted by players, coaches and team doctors from around the world.

Developed through extensive consultation with FIFA Medical and WHO brain health experts, the Suspicion and Defense the campaign aims to increase the recognition of signs and symptoms among players, coaches and medical staff, as well as the general public. The campaign highlights that symptoms can take up to 72 hours to appear, and provides guidance on how to safely return to play after being suspected or confirmed. These organized resources are designed to empower the participants of the national team, professional teams and leagues and communities of low and underserved status.

Suspicion and Defense will be deployed globally across FIFA channels, while the tools are distributed to FIFA’s 211 Member Associations for deployment at national, regional and local levels.

“Concussion is a brain injury and should always be taken seriously. Playing football should be something everyone can enjoy, everywhere,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “By recognizing the signs of a concussion, recognizing the dangers, and handling the concussion appropriately, you can help put player safety first.

“I am very grateful to the FIFA member associations for their efforts to start with us and to follow the advice given by our colleagues at the World Health Organization.”

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO said: “Concussion is a public health issue affecting all levels of football, and many other sports, that require greater awareness and action.” “That is why WHO is proud to join FIFA in Suspicion and Defense campaign to promote ways to protect the minds of football players, young and old, around the world from the dangers of concussion. “

The campaign is built on three key points for audiences within national teams, professional teams and leagues and rare and underprivileged nations.

BE CAREFUL: Whether you are a player, coach, team doctor, parent or guardian, it is important to understand that a concussion is a serious brain injury and should always be taken seriously. Everyone should know the common symptoms of depression and when to seek urgent medical advice.

RULES: Anyone who sustains a direct or indirect impact to the head, face, neck or body should be evaluated for concussion symptoms. Symptoms can take up to 72 hours to appear. They include feeling light-headed or depressed, nausea or vomiting, balance problems, dizziness or unsteadiness in the legs, distorted/blurred or double vision, sensitivity to light and/or noise, memory problems (difficulty remembering the traumatic event, and / or events before or after), feeling drowsy, confused or unable to concentrate, sleep problems.

PROTECT: Anyone with one or more symptoms of a seizure should leave immediately. A doctor must be seen as soon as possible and within 24 hours. Symptoms of psychosis can change or change within minutes, hours, days and even weeks after a traumatic event. Some symptoms require immediate medical attention. Players should follow medical guidance when returning to play. No game is worth risking.

Editor’s note

Suspicion and Defense it will be available on FIFA channels in Arabic, English, French, German, Portuguese (Brazilian) and Spanish and will be adapted by Member Associations in other languages.

WHO’s work on brain health: WHO works with countries to promote the development and proper functioning of the brain, neurological health, and health throughout life. Key activities include strengthening policy, service delivery, health information systems, research and technology, with a focus on low- and middle-income countries; providing technical assistance to develop integrated and person-centred approaches to brain health that prioritize promotion, prevention, treatment, care and rehabilitation; and encourage more investment, collaboration, and participation in various sectors around the world.

More about WHO’s work on brain health