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Brain Injuries in Football
24 April 2024
Lead MP
Damian Collins
Folkestone and Hythe
Con
Responding Minister
Stuart Andrew
Tags
Northern IrelandMental Health
Word Count: 4438
Other Contributors: 4
At a Glance
Damian Collins raised concerns about brain injuries in football in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The MP asked for the government to facilitate a coordinated effort between football organisations to create a sustainable support fund that covers all professional leagues and associations. He requested that the cap on annual funding be lifted above £60,000 to ensure adequate compensation for players like Nobby Stiles who require over £100,000 annually in care costs.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The MP highlighted the longstanding issue of brain injuries in football, citing numerous examples of players and their families affected by conditions like Alzheimer's disease, motor neurone disease, and Parkinson's disease. The debate drew attention to a 2019 field study which showed that former Scottish professional footballers have five times more cases of Alzheimer's and four times more cases of motor neurone disease compared to the general population. Additionally, he raised concerns about chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and its impact on players who suffer repetitive head injuries.
Duncan Baker
Con
Wycombe
Raises concern about funding support from the Professional Footballers' Association and Premier League's brain health fund, suggesting a proper registered charity would be beneficial. Asks if the Minister could help establish such an organisation.
Gavin Williamson
Con
Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge
Congratulates on securing the debate and agrees that all partners, including the Premier League, Professional Footballers' Association, FA and EFL, should work together to deliver more for players today and in the future. Urges the Minister to represent home associations' voice regarding temporary concussion substitutions with FIFA and the International Football Association Board.
Ian Blackford
SNP
Ross, Skye and Lochaber
At the time some people dismissed a field study in Scotland because it was only one study, but evidence from other European countries now supports its findings. Thousands of footballers are caught up in this issue and are experiencing financial difficulties. Grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for referring to a previous debate where cross-party efforts were made with discussions with the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council. Requests help from the Government Minister to move forward in recognition of the existing evidence base.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Compliments the hon. Gentleman for bringing forward the subject and highlights the pilot scheme introduced by the Irish Football Association in 2020, allowing substitutions for suspected concussion with no disadvantage to teams.
Government Response
Stuart Andrew
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under the chairmanship, Ms Rees. I thank my hon. Friend for securing this debate on brain injury in football which highlights significant cross-party support and wide interest among Members of Parliament. The minister acknowledges the need for robust measures to ensure player safety, particularly concerning head injuries during matches and training at all levels of sport. He notes positive progress made by national governing bodies, such as changes to guidelines prohibiting under-11s from heading footballs in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, and co-funding research with the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA). The PFA's chief executive confirmed further investment into a brain health fund for players affected by dementia, established last year with an initial amount of £1 million to provide financial support as assessed by an independent panel. The minister will convene a meeting or roundtable with all interested bodies including FIFA to address concerns raised during the debate. He also highlights the Government's work on concussion guidelines and research forums, aiming to reduce risks associated with sport-related concussion through evidence-based approaches and technological solutions. The minister commits to further work in this area when convening discussions with interested parties.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.