Ex-Players Claim FA Was Aware of Concussion Dangers
Former players and their families are suing several of football’s governing bodies, claiming that they were aware of the dangers of concussion in the sport. The group alleges that the Football Association (FA), the Football Associations of England and Wales, the English Football League (EFL), and the International Football Association Board (Ifab) failed to take action to reduce the risk of concussion to players. They argue that the defendants knew or should have known about the likelihood of brain injuries, including long-term neurological injuries, due to repeated blows to the head.
Meeting Minutes from 1983
According to the claimants, minutes from a 1983 FA meeting indicate that the FA was fully aware of the dangers of concussion in football. The FA’s medical committee concluded in December 1983 that players who had been concussed should not continue playing. However, it is unclear whether any action was taken as a result of this conclusion. The claimants argue that the football authorities have been negligent in protecting players from the risks of multiple concussions and in removing and returning players from play after head injuries.
Background and Details of the Claim
The legal claim relates to 17 former players and their families, with ages ranging from their late-30s to mid-70s. Seven of these players have already passed away. Among the allegations in the claim are that there has been a causal link between cumulative blows to the head and permanent brain injury for over a century. The claimants argue that the football authorities should have known about these complications and taken steps to protect players.
The claim also highlights specific instances where head injuries were discussed but no action was taken to protect players. For example, a case involving a Southampton player who continued to play despite suffering from concussion was discussed in 1989. The claimants found no evidence to suggest that any positive action was taken to ensure compliance with the guidance to remove players with suspected head injuries from the field of play. Similar concerns were raised in a 1989 meeting of the FA’s Council regarding Terry Butcher playing on after sustaining a head injury in an international match.
Admission of Liability
The claimants argue that recent regulations on the management of concussion in football amount to an admission of liability by the defendants for their past failure to take reasonable steps to reduce players’ exposure to the risk of long-term neurological injuries. New guidelines issued in 2021 limit the number of “higher force headers” professional footballers can perform in training and introduce permanent concussion substitutes. The claimants’ lawyer believes that this case is a landmark moment and expects many more claimants to join in the coming weeks and months.
Responses from the Governing Bodies
The FA, FAW, and EFL have responded to the claims. The FA stated that it cannot comment on ongoing legal proceedings but emphasized its commitment to reviewing and improving the safety of the game. The FAW also refrained from commenting on individual cases but stressed its dedication to player welfare. The EFL expressed sympathy for those affected by the situation and called for the claims to be tested quickly to avoid further delays.
In conclusion, former players and their families are taking legal action against football’s governing bodies, claiming that they were aware of the dangers of concussion but failed to take appropriate action. The defendants are accused of negligence and breach of duty of care owed to the players. This case highlights the need for increased measures to protect footballers from the risks of head injuries, and it remains to be seen how it will impact the future safety protocols in the sport.