Soccer parents, players sue FIFA over concussion rules

According to a report, group of soccer parents and players have filed a lawsuit against FIFA, soccer’s international governing body, over its handling of concussions.

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The New York Times reported Wednesday that the suit, filed in U.S. District Court in California, also named several American soccer organizations—including U.S. Soccer and the American Youth Soccer Organization—as defendants, charging all have been negligent in monitoring and treating head injuries.

But rather than financial damages, the suit is seeking changes to the rules of the sport such as placing limits on headers for youth players and changing FIFA’s substitution protocols.

Soccer is just the latest sport to face litigation over head trauma—the NFL, NHL and NCAA are all involved in court cases regarding concussions.

"“There is an epidemic of concussion injuries in soccer at all levels around the world, including in the United States, from youth to professionals, from elite players to children playing for the first time, women and men, girls and boys,” the suit reads. “FIFA presides over this epidemic and is one of its primary causes.”"

The plaintiffs are seeking an injunction that would change soccer rules at all levels. Players younger than 17 would be limited in how many times they are allowed to head the ball and professional and other advanced leagues—which currently limit substitutions to three per match—would have to allow temporary substitutions for players who are being examined for a possible head injury.

The suit also seeks medical testing for soccer players who competed as far back as 2002 and are now dealing with the effects of concussions.

This litigation has to be a particularly difficult blow for American parents who see soccer as a safer alternative to football for their kids.

A FIFA spokesman told the Times the organization had no comment because it was unaware of the suit.

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