Geneva, Sept 18 (PL) FIFA and WHO today announced the creation of Suspect and Protect: A match is not worth the risk, a global campaign to raise awareness about concussions in soccer. 

The initiative aims to raise awareness of the fact that concussions are head injuries and pose a risk to players on the field.

For this reason, experts warn that knowing the signs and symptoms of a possible concussion and knowing how to protect players can help make soccer safer for everyone.

Suspect and Protect is the result of an extensive consultation process with brain health experts from the Medical Branch of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

World Health Organization

It is designed to improve recognition of the signs and symptoms of concussions among soccer players, coaches and medical staff, as well as the general public.

In addition to highlighting that symptoms can take up to 72 hours to appear, it provides guidance on how to safely return to sporting activity after a concussion has occurred or is suspected.

This material was designed to educate stakeholders from national teams, professional clubs and leagues, and the grassroots and amateur soccer communities.

According to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, concussions must be taken seriously and "knowing the symptoms, being aware of the risks and treating them properly will allow us to put player safety first".

"Concussions are a public health problem at all levels of soccer and in many other sports, so they require greater awareness and action," said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom.

The campaign revolves around three main lines of action - inform, suspect and protect - targeting members of national teams, professional clubs and leagues, and the grassroots and amateur soccer communities.