The Dutch health council has issued new recommendations aimed at limiting the heading of footballs, citing concerns about the increased risk of dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and ALS in later life. While establishing a direct cause-and-effect relationship remains challenging, studies suggest a notable link between heading the ball and these neurodegenerative diseases.

Neurologist Marcel Ariës at Maastricht UMC emphasized the potential harm, stating that “Every header is a blow to the brain,” potentially leading to damage.

In response to these concerns, concrete measures are being developed and will be published after the summer. These measures may include age limits for heading, the use of lighter balls, a reduction in the number of headers during training sessions, and the implementation of new rules designed to prevent powerful headers.

The health council also stresses the importance of raising awareness among parents and trainers regarding the risks associated with heading. Studies indicate that top professional football players face a two to three times greater likelihood of developing dementia compared to the general population.

Health council chairwoman Karien Stronks advised against abandoning football altogether, highlighting the overall health benefits of physical activity. However, she also acknowledged the specific risks associated with heading.

The 2021 death of former Sparta striker Wout Holverda from dementia pugilistica, a type of dementia linked to repeated head trauma, served as a stark reminder of the potential consequences.

Dementia is increasingly becoming the leading cause of death in the Netherlands. The health council believes that preventing traumatic brain damage through sports like football could help alleviate pressure on the healthcare system.