Concussion substitutes: Premier League 'disappointed' at rejection of temporary replacement trial
- Published
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was taken off with a suspected concussion during his side's Premier League match at Newcastle earlier this season
The Premier League says it is "disappointed" that a trial of temporary concussion substitutes has been rejected by football's law-makers.
Ifab (The International Football Association Board) did not approve the idea at its annual meeting in London.
The Premier League, club doctors and Professional Footballers' Association had sent Ifab a letter seeking a trial.
"We cannot understand the basis for which it has not been approved," a Premier League statement said.
Under current laws, only permanent substitutions can be made for players suffering a suspected concussion or head trauma during matches.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino said the decision to reject a trial for temporary replacements had been taken to prioritise players' health and ensure "zero risk" in such scenarios.
It was also felt that running two trials at the same time would not provide enough data to draw a meaningful conclusion.
"We are disappointed that a temporary concussion substitute trial was not approved considering all available scientific evidence and the overwhelming support from Premier League club doctors," the Premier League statement added.
"While we note that a trial has not been dismissed, we remain convinced it should go ahead at the earliest possible opportunity in the interests of player welfare."
Brain injury charity Headway also criticised Ifab's stance, insisting the current law places unnecessary pressure on players and club medics.
"This system has repeatedly failed to protect players as it relies on either medics making an immediate judgement or for a player to risk exacerbating their brain injury by playing on for 10 to 15 minutes to see how they get on," said Headway chief executive Luke Griggs.
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