FIFA and WHO Launch Global Concussion Awareness Campaign

The 'Suspect and Protect' initiative aims to educate all levels of football on the risks and proper handling of concussions.

The campaign, endorsed by players, coaches, and team doctors, emphasizes that concussion is a traumatic brain injury.
It highlights that concussion symptoms can take up to 72 hours to appear and provides guidance on safe return-to-play protocols.
Toolkits are being distributed to FIFA's 211 Member Associations to promote awareness at national, regional, and local levels.
The initiative follows the approval of permanent concussion substitutes by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) in March 2024.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino and WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stress the importance of player safety and proper concussion management.