Families of footballers who have died with neurodegenerative conditions and charities have combined for many years to call for a reduction of heading in football. "People say, 'Oh, you've ruined the game if you take heading out of it'. But we can still continue to have heading in football, but do it so much safer." Hayley McQueen also called for football clubs to pay for annual brain scans for current players. No new measures have been announced, but after the McQueen verdict on Monday, various football authorities released statements insisting they are committed to ensuring player safety.

Source: BBC January 27, 2026 19:36 UTC