FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022^TM Medical Coverage of Field of Play

Background

The “Fédération Internationale de Football Association” (FIFA) World CupTM (WC) is one of the most-watched sporting events worldwide. FIFA places great emphasis on the players’ health and well-being, and it includes the provision of medical coverage on the football pitch or “field of play” (FoP). In addition to routine medical care, teams of medical professionals are responsible for the immediate treatment of ill or injured players during WC matches and training sessions.

Methods

FIFA WC tournaments are highly regulated sporting events which require advanced planning. Qatar’s medical management team worked collaboratively with FIFA medical officials to develop and implement a plan for the optimum FoP medical coverage, as well as a comprehensive emergency response plan.

Results

Timely steps implemented by the local medical management team are highlighted in Table 1. Their development involved several stakeholders all playing an important role in preventing and managing any emergency situation.2 During matches, at each stadium, players were covered by a team of 16 medical professionals positioned around the FoP, two crewed ambulances on diagonally opposite sides of the FoP, clinicians in the players’ medical centre, and others as injury spotters and coordinators, each functioning in a well-defined role in case of a medical emergency. In addition, a medical command centre ensured immediate coordination between on-field medical staff and off-field medical facilities to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of care. They attended to a total of 39 players over the 64 matches.

Conclusion

Players’ safety is a FIFA high priority and the provision of FoP advanced medical coverage during the 2022 WC was a testament to this commitment. Skilled medical teams, well-equipped medical stations, efficient communication systems, and rapid response times contributed to a safe and secure environment for players, ultimately contributing to the best possible outcome for the injured players.