...and STILL we wait for proper concussion subs

THE International Football Association Board are not considering introducing temporary concussion substitutions, with the game’s lawmakers instead set to extend their trial of extra permanent substitutions. Campaigners, including Sportsmail columnist Chris Sutton, have long argued that the option of temporarily replacing a potentially concussed player is better than the current protocols. More than 100 competitions are taking part in the experiment, including the Premiership and Premier League, with the trial period due to end in August 2022. Sportsmail has been told that the topic of temporary substitutions will not be up for discussion when the decision-makers next meet, on November 25. However, IFAB will discuss extending their trial of extra permanent subs. It is understood the lawmakers feel there have not been enough concussion incidents to study and so, with a desire for more data, it is likely to be lengthened to include the 2022-23 season. The trial started in the Premier League, FA Cup, Women’s Super League and Women’s Championship in February 2021, with it beginning in Scotland on March 6. Three days after its start, West Ham’s Issa Diop became English football’s first concussion substitute. He had hurt his head in the 37th minute against Manchester United but was not substituted until half-time. The trial was therefore criticised for failing its first test. IFAB are opposed to temporary subs as ‘a player could return with delayed symptoms’. The counter-argument is that players are playing on with potential head injuries rather than being replaced. IFAB also say ‘assessments of head injuries are complex’ and would take longer than ten minutes. The rebuttal to that is current protocols force medics to make decisions in less time, on the pitch, in front of fans. IFAB also believe that extra permanent subs can be replicated at all levels of the game.