PFA FINALLY TACKLE DEMENTIA SCANDAL
+++ Huge victory for Sportsmail as union address our seven demands +++ Dedicated department to lead fight +++ Major push to class dementia as industrial disease
THE Professional Footballers’ Association have taken major steps towards addressing the sport’s dementia scandal.
In a victory for Sportsmail’s campaign — but more importantly in a significant move which could help those in dire need — football’s trade union announced measures aimed at assisting the large number of former players with cruel, neurodegenerative diseases.
A wide-ranging statement, released by the PFA last night, answered several of the demands this newspaper made when it launched its drive in November. A dedicated dementia department is to be created, and the PFA will fight harder to have brain degeneration in footballers defined as an industrial disease.
Sportsmail have also called on the union to fund respite care for those looking after sufferers.
That will be one of the key areas Dawn Astle, daughter of the late West Bromwich striker Jeff and a supporter of our campaign, will examine after the PFA announced that she is being appointed
in an advisory role for an initial six months.
We have also called on the union to fund regular social events for people living with dementia and their carers. they are now to work with clubs nationally to ‘help create dementia-friendly environments and activity groups’.
chris Sutton, the driving force behind our campaign, described the move as ‘excellent news at last’. He added: ‘this is welcomed with open arms. My only complaint can be how long it’s taken to come to fruition.’
John Stiles, son of England World cup winner nobby who passed away in October after suffering from dementia, voiced ‘cautious optimism’. And Dr Willie Stewart, who was instrumental in the drafting of Sportsmail’s seven-point charter and whose research has identified an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases among footballers, described the development as ‘great news’.
Dawn Astle will be joined by Rachel Walden, whose father, the former Portsmouth wing-half Rod taylor, was the second British footballer after Jeff Astle to be diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) following his death at the age of 74 in 2018. CTE is a type of dementia associated with repeated head impacts.
Astle and Walden will examine areas including the protection of current players. Sportsmail wants a reduction of heading in training, something the PFA now backs. the care of former players will be examined closely, with the pair given a ‘remit to scope a dedicated department within the PFA’.
the PFA says it wants a ‘global strategy for dealing with dementia and neurodegenerative diseases in football’ and will lobby FIFPRO, the world players’ association, for change.
Immediate assistance is being offered to those in need via a helpline. ‘Actions speak louder than words,’ said Dawn Astle. ‘But I’ve been encouraged and it’s now time for the PFA to act. this is a start.’
She believes staff for a dementia department could be in place within two months.
‘We want them in different areas of the country so people can get support wherever they are,’ she explained. Dawn will also push hard for vital respite care. ‘I don’t like limits,’ she said.
‘ One family might need an afternoon off here and there, but another might be really struggling and need 16 weeks. Why should they not get that?’
She hailed the role played by Sportsmail and PFA chairman Ben Purkiss, whose explosive interview with this newspaper triggered the review that will see much-maligned PFA chief Gordon taylor depart in June.
‘Without a doubt the campaign from the Daily Mail has been a tremendous help,’ said Dawn.
‘People have also asked me if the independent review made a difference and, if that is the case, we have to be extremely grateful to Ben for what he did.’
Sutton added: ‘Over the coming months, I hope to see real change. From protecting current players to looking after the old ones and their families, these are positive steps being taken.’
Stiles said: ‘ It comes as no surprise that this has happened after the Mail’s campaign and the pending regime change (at the PFA). It seems positive but we await action and real change.’
Dr Stewart, who found clear evidence that repeated heading of the ball triggered nobby Stiles’ dementia, added: ‘this is great news. It’s very encouraging and I hope it translates into action.’
PFA assistant chief executive Simon Barker said: ‘the PFA have publicly committed to improving the support provisions for families living with dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases. this is a first and essential step in trying to provide a comprehensive and holistic service.’
Sportsmail’s campaign also calls for temporary concussion substitutes and for more research. the PFA and FA have already agreed to keep funding Dr Stewart’s research for another year.
As well as monitoring the PFA’s response, this newspaper will still press for more to be done. The PFA’s dementia helpline
number is 0800 048 9560.