The Premier League is determined to put player health and welfare at the heart of its plans and introduce new rules regarding temporary concussion substitutes, although no such legislation currently exists.
The Premier League currently does not introduce temporary subs due to concussion (Image: )
The Premier League wants to introduce concussion substitutes as part of the rule changes and will seek a response if that request is refused.
They have formally written to football’s parliament, IFAB, requesting permission to try a temporary concussion representative. The EFL and PFA generally support the proposed changes with player safety in mind. As well as the Premier League, 28 other leagues including Serie A, Ligue 1 and MLS have also signed a separate letter in support of introducing the rule as part of the trial.
The IFAB had previously rejected the idea, saying it was focused on trialing permanent replacements for concussed players. If a player is temporarily substituted due to a concussion, the player will be off the pitch for a period of time (perhaps 10 to 15 minutes) and undergo a confidential examination. If they pass a behind-closed examination by doctors, they will be allowed to return to Japan.
The Premier League has already taken its own measures to ensure temporary concussion substitutes are not exploited by teams looking to gain an unfair advantage, the Daily Mail reported.
This includes both teams being able to use the same number of substitutes, as an additional substitution can be made each time the other team uses a substitute. Video footage of any incidents will also be reviewed.
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Studies have shown that in men’s soccer, 27 to 53 percent of players diagnosed with a concussion are not immediately removed from play. This is very different from other sports that have health benefits and prevent further injury problems.
In rugby union, the number of players returning to play with concussion issues has fallen from 58% to 8%. Similarly, a study last year found that soccer medical professionals do not have enough time to complete thorough concussion examinations on the pitch, requiring players to be removed to perform the necessary tests.
Temporary subs due to possible concussion are common in other sports (Image: )
Back in November, Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall looked frustrated when he had to leave the game against Chelsea with a concussion. The 19-year-old took a blow to the head from an Enzo Fernandes clearance in the fourth minute and was sent off after seven minutes. He was keen to continue playing, but Tottenham’s medical staff carried out a concussion test and he was substituted.
IFAB is scheduled to hold its annual business meeting on Tuesday, where it is likely to be discussed. Other issues surrounding the match, including players feigning injuries and delays caused by throw-ins, are also understood to be on the agenda.
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