The Executive President of PASP, Spyros Neophytides, following the incident in which a soccer player collapsed during today’s U-19 match in Nicosia.
As he reported, the young soccer player regained consciousness, but Mr. Neofytides emphasized that we cannot rely on luck every time.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
His post
“HOW MUCH MUST WE RISK BEFORE WE TAKE ACTION?
Today in Nicosia, during a U-19 match that began at 11:00 a.m. and was played on artificial turf, a player collapsed during the game.
The outside temperature at that time was approximately 36°C.
The player was carried off on a stretcher and, according to the information we have, first aid was administered to him in an outdoor area of the stadium. It took a significant amount of time—more than 30 minutes—for his condition to stabilize.
Fortunately, the player regained consciousness.
However, we cannot expect to be so lucky every time.
The PASP Heat Stress Prevention Protocol, which is based, among other things, on international sports medicine guidelines and relevant provisions regarding heat stress, clearly warns of the dangers of exercising under such conditions.
At 36°C, risk assessment cannot be based solely on a thermometer reading. Humidity, solar radiation, wind, and, above all, the actual heat stress experienced by the soccer player on the field must be taken into account.
And when the match is played on synthetic turf, under the sun, the issue becomes even more serious.
That is why today we are asking for answers:
1. What was the actual heat stress on the field?
Was the WBGT measured before the start or during the match? With an outside temperature of 36°C, direct sunlight, and synthetic turf, what was the actual strain on the young soccer players?
2. Why did a soccer player who collapsed have to receive first aid outdoors?
Was the stadium’s medical facility suitable, functional, and adequately equipped to handle a serious medical emergency? If so, why wasn’t it used?
3. Why wasn’t an ambulance called?
When a young athlete collapses under conditions of intense heat stress and prolonged medical intervention is required, exactly which protocol is activated, and who decides whether to call an ambulance?
4. Who assessed before the match whether the conditions were safe?
Who is responsible for deciding that a U-19 match can begin at 11:00 a.m. under such conditions?
What is most concerning is that this is not the first time we have raised these issues.
About three months ago, PASP raised them with the Ministry of Health, specifically highlighting the need for appropriate and adequately equipped medical facilities at the stadiums, as well as a clear protocol regarding the presence or immediate dispatch of an ambulance in emergency situations.
Today, a young soccer player collapsed.
We don’t want to wait for the next incident to find out if the system works.
Heat stress is not a matter of comfort. It can develop into a life-threatening condition.
Protecting the health of soccer players—and even more so that of young soccer players—cannot be left to chance.
We need rules. Measurements. Appropriate facilities. Medical equipment. Emergency transport protocols. And, above all, we need to enforce them.
Because next time, we might not be so lucky.”
