FIFA concerned about overuse of painkillers

Zeenews Sports Bureau

London: Football’s governing body FIFA is concerned about overuse of painkillers and fears the ‘abuse’ would put the health of international footballers at risk in the long run, the BBC reported. Dr Jiri Dvorak, FIFA`s chief medical officer, has said the use of painkillers is increasing among the youngsters as they try to imitate seniors. He found that almost 40% of players at the 2010 World Cup took the medication ahead of every game. The pressure to get the injured players back to the field is also one of the main reasons in the use of painkillers, feels Dr Dvorak. Teams from North and South America had the highest reported use of medications per match and per player. Ahead of Euro 2012, Dr Dvorak urged the football world to wake up to the menace.