FIFA Teams Up with WHO on Global Concussion Campaign

epa11607453 Jordynn Dudley (R) of the USA vies for the ball with Vanessa Diehm of Germany during a FIFA U-20 women’s World Cup quarter final soccer match between the USA and Germany at Pascual Guerrero stadium in Cali, Colombia, 15 September 2024.  EPA/ERNESTO GUZMAN JR.
epa11607453 Jordynn Dudley (R) of the USA vies for the ball with Vanessa Diehm of Germany during a FIFA U-20 women’s World Cup quarter final soccer match between the USA and Germany at Pascual Guerrero stadium in Cali, Colombia, 15 September 2024. EPA/ERNESTO GUZMAN JR.
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FIFA Teams Up with WHO on Global Concussion Campaign

epa11607453 Jordynn Dudley (R) of the USA vies for the ball with Vanessa Diehm of Germany during a FIFA U-20 women’s World Cup quarter final soccer match between the USA and Germany at Pascual Guerrero stadium in Cali, Colombia, 15 September 2024.  EPA/ERNESTO GUZMAN JR.
epa11607453 Jordynn Dudley (R) of the USA vies for the ball with Vanessa Diehm of Germany during a FIFA U-20 women’s World Cup quarter final soccer match between the USA and Germany at Pascual Guerrero stadium in Cali, Colombia, 15 September 2024. EPA/ERNESTO GUZMAN JR.

Soccer's governing body FIFA and the World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday launched a global concussion awareness initiative developed with brain health experts.
The 'Suspect and Protect: No Match is Worth the Risk' scheme aims to highlight the risks of traumatic brain injury and offer resources on the subject, they said in a joint statement.
"By knowing the signs of concussion, by being aware of the risks, and by treating a concussion correctly, you can help to put player safety first," said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved permanent concussion substitutes in March after a trial, with the rule implemented in this year's Copa America.
WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said concussion needed greater awareness at all levels of the game.
"WHO is proud to team up with FIFA... to promote ways to protect the brains of footballers," he added.



Ex-France, Real Madrid Defender Varane Announces Retirement

Varane helped Madrid to four Champions League titles and three Spanish league trophies. (Getty Images)
Varane helped Madrid to four Champions League titles and three Spanish league trophies. (Getty Images)
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Ex-France, Real Madrid Defender Varane Announces Retirement

Varane helped Madrid to four Champions League titles and three Spanish league trophies. (Getty Images)
Varane helped Madrid to four Champions League titles and three Spanish league trophies. (Getty Images)

Former France and Real Madrid center back Raphael Varane announced his retirement on Wednesday, ending a career that included a World Cup title and a big haul of club trophies.

The 31-year-old Varane signed with promoted Serie A club Como in July but injured his knee during his only appearance with the club — an Italian Cup match against Sampdoria last month.

“In my career I have taken on many challenges, rose to occasion after occasion, almost all of it was supposed to be impossible,” Varane wrote on Instagram. “Reflecting on these moments, it is with immense pride and a feeling of fulfillment that I am announcing my retirement from the game that we all love.”

Varane was arguably the tournament’s standout defender when France won the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He also helped Madrid to four Champions League titles and three Spanish league trophies.

He moved to Manchester United in 2021 but was restricted to 95 appearances in his three seasons in England — mainly because of injuries.

Varane began his career at Lens.

“From Lens to Madrid to Manchester, and playing for our national team. I have defended every badge with everything I have, and loved every minute of the journey,” Varane said. “I have no regrets, I wouldn’t change a thing. I have won more than I could have even dreamed of."

Varane had already retired from France's national team, a few months after the World Cup final defeat to Argentina in 2022.

Varane said he would remain at Como: “Just without using my boots and shin pads. Something I am looking forward to sharing more about soon.”

Como got its first Serie A victory in more than 21 years when coach Cesc Fabregas’ team won 3-2 at Atalanta on Tuesday.