Probe into sport, brain injuries

London – British lawmakers are to hold an inquiry into the link between sport and long-term brain injury at a time of growing concern across rugby and football.

A group of former professional rugby players, including England’s World Cup-winning hooker Steve Thompson, are involved in a legal case against a number of governing bodies after being diagnosed with neurological conditions.

England 1966 World Cup winner Bobby Charlton has recently been diagnosed with dementia. Four other members of the side were suffering with dementia at the time of their deaths.

A 2019 study found that professional footballers were three-and-a-half times more likely to die from neurodegenerative disease compared with members of the general population.

MPs on the House of Commons digital, culture, media and sport committee will call witnesses to examine the issue.

The English Football Association last month announced it was commissioning new research into what causes an increased risk of dementia among professional players.