The FIFA World Cup is coming to North America in 2026 and while there’s lots to be excited for, there’s still a growing concern over player safety. With that in mind, FIFA, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), has launched a global concussion awareness initiative called Suspect and Protect: No Match is Worth the Risk. The campaign highlights the dangers of concussion, a traumatic brain injury, and aims to provide educational resources for everyone involved in football, from players and coaches to medical teams and fans.
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Concussions are serious brain injuries…
Developed with expert input from FIFA Medical and WHO brain health specialists, the Suspect and Protect campaign will help players, coaches, and the public recognize concussion symptoms and ensure proper management. FIFA will distribute the campaign’s resources across its 211 Member Associations, making them accessible at the national, regional, and local levels.
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“Concussion is a serious brain injury that requires attention at all levels of football,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “By understanding the risks and signs, we can help prioritize player safety in every match.” WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus echoed this sentiment: “Concussion is a public health issue across all sports, including football. Our collaboration with FIFA on Suspect and Protect aims to safeguard players of all ages.”
The campaign’s three core messages are:
- Be Aware: Everyone involved in football should understand the signs of concussion and treat it seriously.
- Suspect: Any player sustaining an impact to the head, neck, or body should be assessed for concussion symptoms, which may take up to 72 hours to appear.
- Protect: Players showing symptoms should leave the field immediately and seek medical advice within 24 hours. No match is worth risking long-term health.
With the Suspect and Protect initiative, FIFA and WHO are setting new standards for concussion awareness, aiming to make the game safer for all involved.
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Feature image credit cottonbro studio
