FIFA must act now to prevent dementia in footballers

In recent months, the discussion surrounding the long-term health impacts of heading the ball in football has gained renewed attention, particularly in Scotland. Following the findings of the University of Glasgow FIELD Study, research led by consultant neuropathologist Willie Stewart pointed to a higher incidence of neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia, among former professional football players. The study identified that the overall dementia risk factors among these players were comparable, if not lower, than those of the general population, suggesting that lifestyle factors alone do not account for the increased risk. Rather, it indicated a direct correlation between repetitive head impacts sustained during matches and training sessions. This has prompted calls for stricter regulations on heading, particularly in training environments, as a means to protect athletes from these unseen impacts. In 2022, the Scottish Football Association took significant steps to mitigate these risks by creating guidelines that restrict heading practices during training sessions. These guidelines advocate limiting heading drills to just once a week. During competitive matches, players may be exposed to thousands of potential head impacts, which emphasizes the need for interventions designed to reduce such exposures. Stewart noted that while it might seem that the current regulations in Scottish football are commendable, more needs to be done at a global level to ensure the safety of all footballers. This perspective raises questions about the overall response from FIFA, the sport's global governing body, which has been criticized for delaying action and seeking more evidence despite mounting research supporting the need for change. Fraser Wishart, CEO of PFA Scotland, endorsed Stewart's findings, highlighting that the link between head injuries and dementia is becoming increasingly evident. He remarked that the dialogue surrounding these health risks is more pronounced in the UK than in other parts of the world, asserting that Scotland is leading the way on this crucial issue. Although Wishart supports the move towards mandatory heading restrictions in training, he pointed out that this position has not yet gained universal support from football organizations globally, including FIFPRO. The emphasis now is on the need for enforceable actions and the involvement of players in discussions about their safety and health. As awareness grows, it is critical for sports regulatory bodies like FIFA to respond proactively to the emerging evidence surrounding the dangers of heading in football. Sports organizations in other countries are urged to follow Scotland's example and establish similar guidelines. With the relationship between head impacts and neurodegenerative diseases becoming clearer, it appears that the time has come for all stakeholders in football—players, clubs, and sporting federations—to reassess how they handle heading practices in both training and matches for the protection of current and future generations of footballers.