Game’s heading for legal battles

STRUGGLES: Charlton

FOOTBALL chiefs must address the dangers of heading and dementia

– or risk paying out millions in future compensation claims.

The stark message to FIFA and all national associations in the sport comes as the number of former players suffering from brain diseases later in life continues to soar.

It was revealed recently that Sir Bobby Charlton is the latest to be fighting dementia – just days before his one-time England and Manchester United team-mate Nobby Stiles died after a long battle against the disease.

And, according to one of the country’s leading legal experts for brain injury claims, the game’s lawmakers can no longer wait for more research on the links between heading and dementia before taking action.

Not, that is, if they want to avoid lawsuits from former players in years to come.

While Bolt Burdon Kemp’s senior solicitor Ipek Tugcu welcomes the calls from the PFA and FA to limit heading in training, she believes that does not go far enough in looking after players’ welfare.

Tugcu said: “The link between brain injuries and football has been highlighted for decades.

“However, in the last few years the research is overwhelming. It clearly indicates the issue is repeated blows to the head – such as practising heading.

“With this out in the open, it’s baffling why football wouldn’t want to make the necessary, but subtle changes to adapt and safeguard players.

“We can’t carry on ignoring the obvious at the expense of players’ lives.”