Temporary subs on way for head injuries
TEMPORARY concussion substitutes — one of the cornerstones of Sportsmail’s campaign for football to tackle its dementia crisis — could be in place in england next season. A meeting of rulemakers IFAB on Wednesday may see a vote on bringing in a trial, which would potentially begin as early as next month in America’s MLS. Momentum has been building to bring in temporary subs, which allow players taken off after head knocks to be brought back on if they are deemed fit to do so by experts. it is thought this would ease the pressure to make a quick decision and make players more open to coming off the pitch to assess their injuries. IFAB will consider an application to allow trials in leading leagues, including the Premier League. A number of unions, including the PFA, are behind the change.
In november 2020, Sportsmail launched a campaign calling on football to finally tackle its dementia issues and making seven demands, including a call for IFAB to ratify temporary concussion substitutes. Chris Sutton, who was pivotal to the campaign and whose father, former professional Mike, died following a 10-year battle with dementia, said: ‘What’s the downside? We saw so many situations at the World Cup, right from the start with the iran goalkeeper initially staying on the pitch against england when he clearly was not right.
‘Temporary subs are common sense. All we are asking for is the best duty of care for the players. They haven’t been getting that. That’s the long and short of it.
‘A player getting a more thorough check, where’s the issue? improving the medical attention following a blow to the head — how is that a bad thing?’
Sutton continued: ‘it’s stupid that there is opposition, really. it’s a far better option than permanent subs. There may well be idiots trying to abuse the system when it comes in by feigning injury but they should be held to account. Given the scrutiny and cameras now, that should not be too difficult.’
The FA are behind the application, made by the World Leagues forum and players union FIFPRO. The Scottish FA are also thought to be open to the trial. Should a vote take place, each of the four home nations would hold a vote along with FIFA. Three votes would be enough to see the motion passed.
IF YOU were picking a day to summarise Kalvin Phillips’ first season at Manchester City, it would be his official unveiling event in the summer. The former Leeds midfielder was missing through illness.
Erling Haaland took centre stage that day and has since scored 27 goals, and young star Julian Alvarez has impressed both for City and Argentina. Four of City’s five in-house Player of the Month awards this season have gone to summer recruits, but Phillips has spent most of the season at home. While City’s new boys have enjoyed fresh beginnings, the 27-yearold has spent much of the campaign frustrated by a dislocated shoulder and other niggly injuries.
He was not helped by Pep Guardiola publicly slamming him, unprompted, for returning from World Cup duty with England overweight. Fellow defensive midfielder Rodri has also been imperious. Phillips’ City career has resembled a car stuck in traffic, ambling forward in first gear only to be grinded to a swift halt. He had managed just 89 minutes across six substitute appearances before last night.
This trip to Southampton allowed him a chance to prove his worth with a first start as Guardiola rested many key men ahead of Saturday’s derby at Old Trafford. It would be harsh to pick specific faults in his display but the presence of Rodri, the big Spaniard who is so crucial in winning possession and rarely misplaces a pass, was missed. Phillips could have done better as Moussa Djenepo charged through City’s midfield to score Southampton’s second goal, and he lost possession for their opener. He had not started a competitive game since England’s 4-0 thrashing by Hungary in June and his rustiness was clear as Saints’ young team pressed and passed with energy rarely seen in these parts this season.
‘He has to fight with Rodri for the benefit of all of us,’ said Guardiola before this match, in which Phillips played 63 minutes before Rodri replaced him. ‘He’s an intelligent player with an incredible work ethic. In duels he understands when the ball is coming. He is strong in the air.’ Phillips is said to be an influential figure in the dressing room and impressed team-mates with his induction ballad of George Ezra’s Budapest, with Phillips being voted to have the best vocals of City’s summer signings. This was a step in the right direction but he is yet to find his tune on the pitch.