The decision to incorporate permanent concussion substitutes into the Laws of the Game has been hailed as a crucial step by FIFA Secretary General ad interim and Chair of The IFAB’s Board of Directors, Mattias Grafström. This decision, made at the 138th Annual General Meeting, was grounded in extensive medical research and a primary concern for the well-being of the players.
Speaking after the meeting in Loch Lomond, Scotland, Grafström emphasized the importance of basing decisions on data and medical advice. He highlighted the significance of the permanent concussion substitution rule as a significant stride forward in player safety.
In addition to this decision, FIFA also announced plans to launch a global campaign aimed at increasing awareness of concussion symptoms and appropriate treatment. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to investing in further medical expertise on concussions.
Noel Mooney, Chief Executive of the Football Association of Wales, stressed the paramount importance of player safety. He emphasized the need to prioritize the protection of players and to remove any doubt regarding a player’s ability to continue due to a suspected concussion.
The decision to implement permanent concussion substitutes will be integrated into the next edition of the Laws of the Game, scheduled to take effect on 1 July 2024.
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