$374,000,000 News Strikes English Soccer as Ex-European Cup Champion Sues FA In Brain Injury Case

In every sport, athletes usually suffer injuries. While some are minor, there are situations where things get serious, as it becomes a matter of life and death. There have been many instances where the athletes have even died on the spot. Similarly, soccer is no exception when it comes to such injuries.

In recent years, injuries have become common in soccer, especially those severely affecting players. This has recently been brought to light by a former player, who is suing the apex authorities of soccer for a huge chunk of cash in damages.

Former soccer stars sue FA

The former Premier League and England player is reportedly suing the FA for $374 million in damages for a brain injury case. He is one of the 15 players who claim that heading the ball has caused him dementia or other conditions. All are part of a legal action that was presented by 379 sports people, including their families.

The suit is against the apex bodies of football and rugby. Reports suggest that the star played during the 1990s, and his inclusion in the case is being said to be crucial. This is because he is set to burst the myth bubble that only players from the 1960s and 1970s were affected by the heavy leather balls.

Aside from the 15 ex-soccer players, 105 rugby league and 260 former rugby union players have joined the lawsuit. Moreover, 20 more former soccer players are also issuing their claims. The case will be heard in the High Court, as they are suing a significant number of authorities.

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The list includes the International Football Association Board, the FA, the English Football League, and the Football Association of Wales. The case is quite critical, as many have even lost their lives after suffering from such injuries. In fact, some shocking claims have been made by the affected.

Failed to protect the players

Further reports reveal that many have lost their lives, and actually had chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a type of brain damage. Furthermore, those who are still alive are suffering from dementia, Parkinson’s disease, post-concussion syndrome, epilepsy, or motor neuron disease.

While speaking to the Sun, their lawyer, Richard Boardman, of Rylands Garth said, “We allege there’s been a systematic failure by the governing bodies to protect players.” There are many former players whose deaths have been associated with heading the ball.

The list includes West Brom’s Jeff Astle, who died at 56 in 2002. England’s 1966 heroes Ray Wilson, Martin Peters, Nobby Stiles, Jack Charlton, and manager Sir Alf Ramsey all had dementia.

Nobby’s son, John, is also a part of the lawsuit and had a few things to say, “In the fullness of time this will be seen as the greatest scandal in sport. The players have been completely failed. They are uninformed and unprepared for the dangers.”

The lawsuit is quite heavy, as nothing has been said by the FA. Either way, do let us know your thoughts on this lawsuit.

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