Sports organizations potentially facing financial obligations for covering brain injury treatment expenses of former athletes
Rewritten Article:
Football industry might find itself shelling out funds for the care of ex-players diagnosed with brain conditions, according to proposals being considered by MPs.
Advocates are putting forth amendments to the Football Governance Bill, intending to view brain issues caused by heading balls as "occupational injuries." This proposal would pressure the football world to provide financial assistance as needed.
The proponents highlight the inadequacies of current support mechanisms, such as the Brain Health Fund - set up by the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) with initial backing from the Premier League. However, the Premier League claims the fund has assisted 121 families with home modifications and care home fees.
From England's 1966 World Cup-winning team, both Jack and Bobby Charlton, Martin Peters, Ray Wilson, and Nobby Stiles battled dementia before passing away. Last week, former Liverpool defender Neil Ruddock joined campaigners in parliament to petition MPs.
Ruddock, speaking to our site, stressed his reason for joining the crusade: "For the families who've been put through the wringer." He expressed concern about the lack of awareness surrounding the potential dangers of heading balls during his playing days. "Every time someone heads a ball, it's potentially hazardous to you," he noted, adding that he used to head 100 balls a day during training sessions, unaware of the possible impact.
A 2019 study co-funded by the PFA and the Football Association (FA) revealed that footballers were 3.5 times more likely than the general public of the same age to die of neurodegenerative diseases.
Chris Evans, Labour MP for Caerphilly, South Wales, has been vocal in urging football authorities to contribute towards care costs for former players who have developed conditions such as Alzheimer's and dementia. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, aiding in drafting the amendment, criticized the industry for its denial regarding the whole issue, suggesting it should be recognized as an "occupational injuries issue akin to mining."
In January, David Beckham lent his voice to the calls for greater assistance for footballers affected by dementia. One of the amendments proposes that "the industry, rather than the public, should bear the financial burden."
A spokesperson for the FA emphasized their proactive efforts to review and enhance the game's safety, while the English Football League stated they are collaborating with other football bodies to ensure both professional and grassroots football are "as safe as possible." The PFA and Premier League opted not to comment on the issue.
- The football industry might be required to provide financial assistance for the care of ex-players diagnosed with brain conditions, as proposed by MPs considering amendments to the Football Governance Bill.
- Advocates aim to classify brain issues caused by heading balls as "occupational injuries" under the Football Governance Bill, which would put pressure on the football world to provide such assistance.
- The Premier League claims that the Brain Health Fund, set up by the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) with initial backing from the Premier League, has assisted 121 families with home modifications and care home fees.
- Chris Evans, Labour MP for Caerphilly, South Wales, has called on football authorities to contribute towards care costs for former players who have developed conditions such as Alzheimer's and dementia.
- One of the amendments proposes that the football industry, rather than the public, should bear the financial burden for assisting footballers affected by neurodegenerative diseases and mental-health issues related to their sports career.
