Introduction of temporary concussion subs to be discussed by football's law makers

Football law makers will discuss the introduction of temporary concussion substitutes in a ground-breaking move which is likely to have the backing of the Premier League.

The issue will be dealt with on Monday by the International Football Association Board (Ifab) which last year approved trials of permanent concussion substitutes.

The FA and Premier League took part in those trials, allowing clubs two extra replacements if players show signs of a head injury.

However there is now a drive to adopt the use of temporary substitutes, which would bring football into line with rugby, and which has been called for by campaigners – including brain injury charity Headway - and the PFA which has claimed that players with head injuries are not being removed from the pitch when they should be.

Dr Charlotte Cowie, the FA’s head of medicine, has already said it is “possible” the governing body could back temporary substitutions and the Premier League is also likely to be supportive.

Several clubs believe that the system has not worked and that a tipping point was reached following the head injury suffered by Leeds defender Robin Koch in February. This led to the PFA issuing a statement who claimed the current protocols do not “prioritise player safety”.

Under the current rules, players are examined on the side of the pitch while the game continues - leaving their team a player short and putting pressure on doctors to make a decision as quickly as possible. There is also a view that permanent substitutes - meaning players cannot return - can make them unwilling to leave the field.

A key issue will also be who carries out the medical assessment if a player is temporarily replaced. It is a sensitive matter but there is a belief that it