Suspect and Protect will draw attention to the dangers of concussions and offer instructional materials to all football players at all levels.
Everyone can play the game more safely if they are aware of the warning signs and symptoms of a suspected concussion and how to protect participants.
FIFA Member Associations support the global effort, which is started in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO).
Following the announcement at the IFAB AGM in March 2024, FIFA is starting a concussion awareness campaign called Suspect and Protect: No Match is Worth the Risk in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) in accordance with the Strategic Objectives for the Global Game: 2023–2027.
The campaign seeks to increase understanding of concussions as traumatic brain injuries and poses a danger to each player on the field. Players, coaches, and team physicians from all over the world have recommended it.
The Suspect and Protect campaign was created after significant collaboration with FIFA Medical and WHO brain health experts. Its goal is to improve the general public's ability to recognize signs and symptoms as well as those of coaches, players, and medical personnel. In addition to providing advice on how to safely resume playing after a suspected or confirmed concussion, the campaign emphasizes that symptoms could not show up for up to 72 hours. These specialized tools are intended to empower grassroots and amateur communities, professional clubs and leagues, and stakeholders in the national team.
FIFA outlets will broadcast Suspect and Protect globally, and toolkits will be made available to be delivered locally, regionally, and nationally by the 211 FIFA Member Associations.
As a brain injury, concussions must always be treated with seriousness. Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, stated that everyone should be able to play football in a secure environment. "You can contribute to prioritizing player safety by being informed of the dangers, recognizing the symptoms of a concussion, and appropriately treating one.
"We would like to express our sincere gratitude to FIFA's member associations for their efforts in joining us and for heeding the guidance given by our colleagues at the World Health Organization."
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that "concussion is a public health issue of concern at all levels of football and many other sports, requiring greater levels of awareness and action." Director-General of WHO. "For this reason, WHO is pleased to collaborate with FIFA on the Suspect and Protect campaign, which aims to raise awareness of strategies to shield football players' brains from concussion hazards worldwide, regardless of age."
Three primary action points form the foundation of the campaign for audiences in amateur and grassroots groups, professional clubs and leagues, and national teams.
Be aware that a concussion is a severe brain injury that should always be treated seriously, regardless of whether you are a player, coach, team physician, parent, or caregiver. Everyone should be aware of the typical symptoms of a concussion and when to get emergency medical help.
SUSPECT: Anyone who has their head, face, neck, or body struck, either directly or indirectly, should be evaluated for signs of a concussion. It could take up to 72 hours for symptoms to appear. These include headaches or "pressure" sensations, nausea or vomiting, balance issues, light or noise sensitivity, dizziness or unsteadiness on one's feet, memory issues (difficulty recalling the traumatic event and/or events prior to or following it), feeling sleepy, confused, or unable to concentrate, and sleep problems.
PROTECT: Players should leave the field right away if they exhibit any signs of a concussion. A doctor must be seen within 24 hours and as soon as possible. Within the minutes, hours, days, and even weeks following the traumatic incident, concussion symptoms may alter or develop. Certain symptoms necessitate immediate medical care. Players should return to play in accordance with medical advice. The risk is not worth any match.
Notes from the editor
In addition to being translated into other languages by Member Associations, Suspect and Protect will be accessible via FIFA channels in Arabic, English, French, German, Portuguese (Brazilian), and Spanish.
WHO's work on brain health: The WHO collaborates with nations to support neurological health, well-being throughout life, and optimal brain development and function. Providing technical assistance to develop integrated and person-centered approaches to brain health that prioritize promotion, prevention, treatment, care, and rehabilitation; encouraging increased investment, inter-agency collaboration, and engagement across a range of sectors globally; and strengthening policies, service delivery, health information systems, research, and technology, with an emphasis on low- and middle-income countries, are some of the key activities.
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