FIFA and WHO Launch Global Concussion Awareness Campaign
The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) is launching Suspect and Protect: No Match is Worth the Risk, a concussion awareness campaign, in partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO). This is in line with the Strategic Objectives for the Global Game 2023–2027 and follows the announcement at the International Football Association Board (IFAB) Annual General Meeting (AGM) in March 2024.
The campaign aims to raise awareness that concussions are traumatic brain injuries and a risk to every player on the pitch.
Developed through extensive consultation with FIFA Medical and WHO brain health experts, the Suspect and Protect campaign aims to increase sign and symptom recognition among players, coaches and medical staff, as well as the public.
The initiative has been endorsed by players, coaches, and team doctors from around the world. It highlights that symptoms may take up to 72 hours to appear and offers guidance on how to return to play safely following a suspected or confirmed concussion. These tailored resources are designed to empower national team stakeholders, professional clubs and leagues and grassroots and amateur communities.