emirates7 - A recent scientific study from Australia has raised alarms about the potential long-term effects of heading the ball in football, suggesting it could significantly alter brain chemistry and increase the risk of dementia.

The research, carried out by the University of Sydney, is the first to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to investigate this issue. It revealed that adult male players who performed 20 headers over a 20-minute period exhibited higher levels of two proteins linked to brain degeneration—early indicators that may point to the future onset of dementia.

These findings add to mounting global efforts to curb heading in youth football. In England, the Football Association has prohibited heading during training for players under 12, and the Premier League has recommended limiting headers to a maximum of 10 per player per week in training.

In light of the study, Football Australia has established a dedicated task force made up of medical professionals to reassess current guidelines on heading. The group will consider new strategies aimed at reducing both the frequency and intensity of heading, especially among younger athletes.