Premier League ready to introduce new rule and take measures if request is rejected

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The Premier League want to bring in concussion substitutes as part of a rule change - and will demand answers if their request is rejected.

They have formally written to football’s lawmakers, IFAB, to request permission to trial temporary concussion substitutes. The EFL and the PFA have backed the proposed changes, which fundamentally have player safety in mind. As well as the Premier League , a further 28 other leagues, which includes Serie A, Ligue 1 and the MLS have signed a separate letter which backs bringing in the rule as part of a trial.

IFAB had previously rejected the idea on the basis that they were focusing on trialling permanent concussion substitutions. Temporary concussion substitutes would see a player leave the pitch for a set period of time – likely 10 or 15 minutes – to be assessed in private. The individual would be allowed to return if he passes those checks with the medics behind closed doors.

The Premier League has already taken their own step to ensure the temporary concussion substitutes can't be exploited by teams looking to gain an unfair advantage from them, reports the Daily Mail .

It includes allowing the opposing team to make an additional substitution whenever one is used so that they can both have the same number of subs. Video footage of any incidents would also be reviewed.

Research has shown that in male football between 27 and 53 percent of players diagnosed with concussion are not immediately removed from play. This is a far cry from other sports, which have seen health benefits and prevented further injury issues.

In rugby union, players returning to play with a concussion issue fell from 58 percent to eight per cent. Equally a study last year found that health care professionals in football do not have sufficient time to complete a thorough check for concussion on the pitch - and would need to take a player off to conduct the necessary tests.

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Back in November Tottenham 's Lucas Bergvall cut a frustrated figure when he had to come off with a concussion against Chelsea . The 19-year-old was forced to come off after seven minutes after taking a hit to his head from a clearance by Enzo Fernandez in the fourth minute. He was eager to carry on but after Tottenham medical staff conducted a concussion test he was substituted.

IFAB will hold their Annual Business Meeting on Tuesday, where it will likely be a discussion point. It is understood that other issues with the game will be on the agenda - such as players feigning injury and delays caused by throw-ins.

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