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A new £1.2million research project — led by the professor whose landmark study identified ex-players were in greater danger of suffering from brain diseases — is part of a joint action plan launched by football in a bid to tackle its dementia crisis.
And in a further boost for Sportsmail's campaign, the FA's head of medicine has admitted temporary, instead of permanent, concussion substitutions may be the way forward.
The plan, announced on Tuesday, is the work of the FA, EFL and PFA. It focuses on research, awareness and support for players.
FA head of medicine Charlotte Cowie said temporary concussion subs may be the way forward
Dr Willie Stewart's study found ex-professionals were five times more likely to get Alzheimer's
However, it is thin on detail on a care fund for ex-pros and their families grappling with the impact or neurodegenerative diseases — and on how warnings of the dangers involved in heading can be made clear to current players.
Dr Willie Stewart, at the University of Glasgow, carried out the FIELD study, which found ex-pros were 3.5 times more likely to die of a neurodegenerative disease and five times more likely to develop Alzheimer's.
The BrainHOPE study, set to start in early 2022, will be a new four-year project funded by FIFA and the FA.
It will look at mid-life brain health in players to explore how their brains are ageing and examine potential interventions —
