The Dutch Health Council has issued new recommendations advocating for limitations on heading footballs due to the association with a higher risk of developing dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) later in life. While establishing a definitive cause-and-effect relationship between frequent heading and brain damage remains challenging, the council emphasizes that existing research consistently suggests a correlation.

The health council plans to release specific measures after the summer, potentially including age restrictions for heading, lighter balls, reduced heading during training, and revised rules to minimize powerful headers. Furthermore, they stressed that parents and trainers should be educated about the potential risks.

Studies indicate that professional football players have a two to three times greater likelihood of developing dementia, with defenders facing the highest risk and goalkeepers the lowest. Similar increased risks have been observed in rugby players and boxers.

Despite the identified risks, Karien Stronks, chairwoman of the health council, advises footballers against quitting the sport altogether, emphasizing that physical activity generally reduces the risk of dementia, while heading introduces a specific risk factor.

The council’s recommendations come in the wake of the 2021 death of former Sparta striker Wout Holverda, whose dementia was linked to repeated blows to the head. Several countries, including Belgium, France, and the United States, have already implemented bans on heading for young children.

With dementia emerging as the leading cause of death in the Netherlands, experts underscore the importance of preventative measures, such as minimizing traumatic brain injuries in sports, to alleviate strain on the healthcare system.