FIFA World Cup 2022: Qatar concussion rules explained

How England began their World Cup campaign with a Group B match against Iran fans packed the Khalifa International Stadium on Monday (November 21). Qatar were preparing for a fun day football. However, they certainly didn’t expect to witness a disturbing head injury just minutes after kick-off.

Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand received a serious blow to the face just after the 10th minute and fell straight to the floor. An Iranian medical team rushed to him to treat the 30-year-old.

Beiranvand was shoved a napkin up his nose and from behind FIFA protocol due to the fact that blood is not allowed on players’ jerseys, his shirt was replaced.

BBC commentator Jermaine Jenas expressed concern for Beiranvand’s condition as the goalkeeper remained on the pitch. A few minutes later, the Iranian lay on the ground and asked to be replaced, while his deputy, Hossein Hosseini, waited nearby. Due to the incident at the end of the first half, 14 minutes of added time were used.

“I don’t understand that this is right. It’s funny, it’s almost like he’s forced to continue here. It’s 2022 and we’re talking so much about concussion protocols and how it can lead to dementia. It’s not normal,” Jenas said live.

During half-time analysis, BBC pundit and Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer accused FIFA of “letting their players down” for their concussion policy. The former England international also called for the introduction of temporary substitutions, which would give teams the appropriate time and circumstances to observe a player to decide whether or not he has suffered a head injury.

According to FIFA’s official rules, the concussion protocol begins with “observation and recognition.” A doctor on the field should observe a player who they believe has suffered a head injury for certain signs or symptoms. This can range from balance problems and dizziness to obsessions and confusion.

If medical professionals determine that an athlete does have one or more of these symptoms, they must immediately remove the player from the field for a more detailed examination. Because of the severity of head injuries, time is inexplicably important, so FIFA recommends that medical staff monitor him closely during a match if they deem a player fit to continue.

After appropriate supervision and observation, especially if the professional has to be hospitalized, they will need rest and treatment to ensure their safety. A resulting head injury or concussion will mean that a player will be sidelined for an average of seven to ten days.

FIFA just recently announced a new addition to its concussion protocol ahead of the World Cup in Qatar. International teams are now allowed one additional Permanent Concussion Replacement (APCS), which can only be used after a player has sustained a head injury. This does not affect the five allowed substitutions that teams can make on the field of play.