FIFA have introduced a new concussion protocol ahead of the 2022 World Cup – to avoid a repeat of the horror in 2014.
Should a concussion occur, protocol now allows for a single additional permanent concussion substitution (APCS).
This sub allows a team to withdraw a player who has suffered a head injury but does not impact the five permitted substitutions.
The opposing team is granted an additional substitution with each APCS to avoid any advantage.
Two additional permanent concussion substitutions (APCS) have been allowed in the Premier League since February 2021, after a trial period.
The Premier League, FA and EFL have since adopted the rule permanently.
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But it will be the first time featuring at a World Cup.
In 2014, Christoph Kramer suffered a horror clash with Argentina’s Ezequiel Garay.
It was later revealed Kramer suffered a concussion, also known as a mild traumatic brain injury that affects the brain’s function.
Recently, Aston Villa keeper Emi Martinez suffered a head injury against Newcastle.
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But the Argentine stopper remained on the pitch, causing Villa to come under scrutiny.
Villa’s caretaker boss Aaron Danks said after Saturday’s 4-0 defeat: “We’ve got a very professional medical staff who assessed him and he was OK to continue.
“Obviously things changed and there was a delayed onset of something that meant he had to come off.”
