New concussion substitution rules could come into action from January

In recent years we’ve seen the footballing world taking potential concussion injuries far more seriously, which can only ever be a good thing.

Concussion substitutions are something that has been talked about frequently as a result, and it now seems we could be one step closer to the idea being rolled out.

The Premier League has reportedly been given the green light by football’s lawmakers to begin a trial period for concussion substitutions beginning in January, with the view to making it a permanent fixture from the 2021/22 season onwards.

Changes would see ‘additional permanent substitutions’ introduced, which will allow players who have suffered a potential concussion to be brought off the pitch.

A final decision is expected to be made at the IFAB’s annual business meeting in December.

A statement released by the IFAB read: “The members recommended further consultation, working with the FIFA medical subdivision and other stakeholders, to facilitate trials to start from January 2021 for any competition that is interested in taking part.

“The Concussion Expert Group [CEG] again emphasised the protection of players is the main goal and that a clear and uniform approach is needed, which can operate effectively at all levels of the game.

“Therefore, the group agreed that applying an ‘if in doubt, take them out’ philosophy would be the best solution to safeguard the health of players.”

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