HEAD ALERT
At last... FA launches probe into link between heading footballs and dementia
FA bosses have finally announced a major study into links between dementia and heading footballs.
The breakthrough follows a Mirror campaign that revealed at least 375 players had the condition that killed England international Jeff Astle.
Alan Shearer, who fears he may have brain damage, said: “This is a long time coming but it is great news.”
CAMPAIGNERS have hailed a “massive step” after the FA agreed to fund a major study into the effect of heading footballs on players’ brains.
Researchers will record the health of 15,000 ex-footballers to explore if they are at a higher risk of getting dementia.
The investigation, jointly funded by players union the PFA, follows a Mirror campaign that revealed three 1966 World Cup winners – Nobby Stiles, Martin Peters and Ray Wilson – have dementia.
At least 375 other footballers have been diagnosed and the condition has killed legends such as Jimmy Hill, Jeff Astle and Nat Lofthouse.
Former England and Newcastle striker Alan Shearer, 47, presented a BBC documentary on football and dementia this month and fears heading could have damaged his brain.
He said: “This is a long time coming but it is great news. Hopefully this demonstrates that there is now a real search for answers. More must follow.”
Dawn Astle set up the Jeff Astle foundation after her father died, aged 59, in 2002.
She said: “This is a massive step. My overriding emotion is relief. If only they had started sooner, we would’ve had answers years ago.
“Players have died waiting for this day. I want to thank the Mirror and football fans for their support.” The study at the University of Glasgow and Hampden Sports Clinic begins in January and will be led by Dr William Stewart, the expert who examined Astle’s brain. He found the West Bromwich Albion ace died of CTE, a form of dementia known as boxer’s brain. An inquest in 2002 found heading footballs contributed to the death.
Authorities have since been accused of neglecting the issue. But FA boss Martin Glenn said the body now “felt compelled” to investigate. Some results are expected within three years.
The FA’s medical director Charlotte Cowie has already said the organisation would consider banning children from heading footballs if early evidence suggests a link.