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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

Folkestone and Hythe
Opened the debate
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.

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.