PREMIER LEAGUE AT LOGGERHEADS WITH IFAB OVER CONCUSSION SUBS

THE Premier League are ready to back a trial of temporary concussion substitutes — but their hands are tied while IFAB, who have the final say, refuse to launch such an experiment. This week the game’s lawmakers announced their plan to trial extra permanent concussion substitutes until 2023 at least. That is despite the protocol being criticised for failing to properly protect players, many of whom have played on before being substituted. Premier League chiefs will make it clear to IFAB that their preference would be a pilot with temporary concussion substitutes. This would see a player taken for a 10 or 15-minute assessment before returning if they are cleared to continue. Dementia campaigners are also angry with IFAB’s idea to replace throw-ins with kick-ins as they fear that would increase the likelihood of heading in games.