By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
It has been reported that a group of world-leading scientists in health, climate and sports performance has warned FIFA that its current heat safety measures for the World Cup are "inadequate" and could put players at risk of serious harm.
These experts have, therefore, called upon FIFA to introduce stronger protections, including longer cooling breaks and clearer protocols for delaying or postponing games in extreme conditions.
As previously reported on the SLT website, heat is expected to be an issue at this summer's tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, where temperatures at 14 of the 16 stadiums being used could exceed levels that are dangerous to health.
When temperature, humidity, wind speeds and the strength of the sunshine combine, players are at the greatest risk of experiencing extreme levels of heat stress on their bodies.
FIFA has responded to these warnings as follows:
"We are committed to protecting the health and safety of players, referees, fans, volunteers and staff and that climate-related risks are assessed as part of tournament planning.”
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