On August 27, 2014, a coalition of soccer players and their parents initiated a class-action lawsuit against FIFA (the Fédération Internationale de Football Association). In the complaint, the plaintiffs charge the international soccer governing body of neglecting players in the monitoring and treatment of head injuries sustained during games.
Rather than pursuing financial compensation, the lawsuit seeks to change specific rules within the sport, including how many times players may “head the ball” during a match and how teams manage substitute players for individuals under examinations for head injuries.
The filing against FIFA notes high school soccer players suffer a disproportionate number of concussions compared to wrestling, softball, basketball, and baseball combined, representing nearly 50,000 injuries in 2010. Highly publicized head injuries during the World Cup event shed even greater light on the need for changes in rules and regulations within the sport.
The suit represents the most recent in a spate of concussion related cases, which have affected the NCAA, NHL, and NFL. Steps to Take after Sustaining a Sports Related Concussion Regardless of the rules, players of any sport should have the right to take proper measures after a head injury to get the treatment they need. When colliding with a ball, player, or other structure during play, take the following actions to protect yourself physically and legally:
Playing soccer – or any other sport – is an enjoyable and rewarding activity, but improper rules and management can be harmful to players. If you have been affected by a sports related concussion and believe your governing organization may be to blame, contact a D.C. personal injury attorney today. Concussion lawsuits have been on the rise recently. Check out this article from 5 years ago, when our legal team reported on the dangers of early return to playing football: Sports Concussion Injuries Linked to Early Return