The Football Association (FA) has introduced fresh measures to reduce heading in football, amid growing concerns about its possible long-term effects on players’ brain health.
The decision follows emerging scientific evidence linking repeated heading of the ball to neurological risks. Experts explain that each header sends a small pulse of force to the brain, which, while minor on its own, may lead to cumulative damage over time.
A major research project, the FIELD study, revealed that former professional footballers are about 3.5 times more likely to develop neurodegenerative diseases compared to the general population.
In response, the FA has implemented a gradual ban on heading for children under 11 and issued new guidelines to limit high-impact headers during training, especially from crosses, corners, and free-kicks.
FA Chief Medical Officer, Charlotte Cowie, said the policy is based on new independent research that provides deeper insight into the issue. She added that the findings have been shared with global bodies like FIFA and UEFA to encourage wider collaboration.
Scotland adopts stricter approach
Meanwhile, the Scottish Football Association has taken further steps by banning heading in training sessions on the day before and after matches in the professional game.
Football authorities say the new rules are aimed at reducing players’ exposure to repeated head impacts while ongoing research continues to examine the long-term risks, with increasing calls for a coordinated global response to safeguard players at all levels.