Izuchukwu OkosiThe Annual Business Meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) is set to take place in Wembley, London on January 18.
At the meeting, one of the agendas for discussion is the introduction of temporary concussion substitution with the Federation of Professional Footballers Organization (FIFpro), the body tasked with the welfare of footballers worldwide, set to present a proposal to that effect.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe world football players’ union is canvassing for the trial of the concussion substitution at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
This is because head injuries among footballers are the subject of intense scrutiny at present, with some research suggesting female physiology places them at greater risk of suffering concussions.
To this end, it is anticipated that IFAB will consider approving temporary concussion substitute trials.
FIFPro has long advocated for this change, arguing that the longer off-field assessment period is safer compared to the on-field assessments as part of the permanent concussion substitute protocols which are part of the permanent protocols which are currently being trialled.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons star, Rasheedat Ajibade this week was named in the FIFPro Global Player Council.
The council serves as a forum for active players with international experience, ensuring that perspectives from men’s and women’s football, as well as various leagues from across the globe, are heard.
The striker, who has been outstanding for Club Atlético de Madrid Féminas, joined the council with two other African players.
The addition of the 23-year-old Nigerian, Kenya’s Enez Mango, and Stade de Reims’ Marshall Munetsi take the total number of players on the council to 34.
In a release by FIFPro, the Super Falcons’ attacker believes it is important for players’ views to be heard.
“It’s important that the voices of players are heard,” she said
“I’m looking forward to using my platform to help players in Africa and beyond.” Ajibade continued.
Barcelona female player Lucy Bronze, 31, is on the council, as is Italian men’s defender Giorgio Chiellini, Japanese Saki Kumagai, and Argentine Nicolas Tagliafico.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
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