To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has had recent discussions with the Professional Footballers' Association on ensuring adequate support for former football players living with chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
Answered on
23 May 2024
I welcome the practical support being provided by sports and player associations to former players who develop neurodegenerative conditions such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Player associations such as the Professional Footballers’ Association play a valuable role in supporting players by providing short and long-term support to those affected by sporting injuries.
I have discussed the issue of dementia with the Professional Footballers' Association, specifically around the Football Brain Health Fund for players impacted by dementia, which was launched in September 2023. The fund aims to assist former players and their families who have been impacted by neurodegenerative conditions.
I wrote to the Professional Footballers' Association in April 2024 to further seek to understand the current workings of the fund and how they are engaging with former players.
The Government will continue to liaise with the football authorities and player associations to encourage ongoing funding for cross-game initiatives.