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Football's Heading Danger: Player's Death Spurs Action
26 Jan
Summary
- Heading the ball likely contributed to player's fatal brain injury.
- Family criticizes PFA's lack of support during player's illness.
- Research shows footballers are 3.5 times more likely to die from neurodegenerative disease.
An inquest has determined that heading the ball was likely a contributing factor to the mixed vascular dementia and CTE that led to footballer Gordon McQueen's death. McQueen, a 70-year-old former Scottish international and professional player for Manchester United and Leeds, died in June 2023.
His family, including daughter Hayley McQueen, has voiced strong criticism of football authorities, particularly the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), for their perceived lack of action and support regarding head injuries. They cited the PFA's failure to assist during McQueen's illness, which depleted family savings.
The PFA stated it is actively pursuing clarity on neurodegenerative conditions linked to repetitive head impacts and advocating for policy changes, including temporary concussion substitutes. Research from the 2019 FIELD Study found footballers are 3.5 times more likely to die from neurodegenerative diseases.
Efforts are underway to secure government support for affected players, with the PFA lobbying for neurodegenerative conditions to be classified as industrial diseases. A Football Brain Health Fund was established, though its initial funding has been deemed insufficient by advocacy groups.
Families affected by these issues are pursuing legal action against various football governing bodies, alleging negligence related to head injuries sustained during play. The Football Association expressed sympathy and commitment to improving player safety.
