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Champions League: UEFA referees' chief Pierluigi Collina welcomes new concussion rules

Pierluigi Collina explained his craft on Collina Masterclass
Image: Pierluigi Collina welcomes new concussion rules

UEFA referees' chief Pierluigi Collina says new concussion rules which come into force in the Champions League this week will clear up any doubts over when players are able to continue after suffering a head injury.

The new rules agreed by UEFA and FIFA affect all matches and give referees the ability to stop games for up to three minutes to allow the team doctor to carry out an on-pitch assessment of the injured player.

Following that assessment, only the team doctor will have the authority to decide whether the player can continue.

The new rules have been introduced following a number of high profile cases last season of players carrying on despite suffering head injuries.

Those included Uruguay's Alvaro Pereira and Christoph Kramer of Germany during the World Cup and Romelu Lukaku of Everton and Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris in the Premier League.

Collina said: "I am pleased the new procedure in case of concussion will be implemented this week, just a few days after it was approved by UEFA's executive committee.

"In my opinion, the new procedure gives referees a clear view of who makes the final decision on whether a player can continue to play or has to leave the game - it is the team doctor and no-one else. I hope this will lead to improved health and safety of players overall."

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