Concussion-related injuries have long been a thorny issue in soccer, especially given the limited number of substitutions allowed per FIFA regulations. With only three substitutions allowed per game prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, a suspected concussion was often overlooked or brushed aside after a cursory examination. But given the evolving science on head injuries, leagues are taking the issue more seriously.
And now, the major North American soccer leagues are joining a new initiative which hopes to mitigate cases where a team may feel the need look past a potential concussion-related injury.
Starting in 2021, Major League Soccer (MLS), the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), the United Soccer League (USL) and National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) will join FIFA’s pilot program, which will allow for additional substitutions due to suspected head injuries that occur during play.