Australian goalkeeper Joey Didulica wants to raise awareness about the risks of concussion in football and admits he fears he may face dementia in the future after suffering more than 20 concussions during his career.
"I can’t have a normal job now from 9 to 5. I can’t process that, my head would be spinning. I can’t live a normal life. And honestly, I’m afraid of what the future holds. Will I become depressed and want to kill myself?
"I do fear maybe a dementia coming on. I am only 42 years old.”
FIFPRO is campaigning for an improved concussion protocol in professional football that gives medical staff up to ten minutes to take a player to the changing room to decide if he has a concussion.
A temporary substitute could be used and return to the bench if the player is not diagnosed with a concussion and is fit to return to play.
“It is definitely a good move for the safety of the player," Didulica said.
"They should have done it a long time ago. Now that we have more information about concussion and more expert opinion, this shouldn’t even be debated. You need time to assess a concussion. And you need a quiet environment.
"The last thing you want to do is making a decision in 20, 30 seconds while in front of fans. You have to ask questions, you have to settle the player down and you have to make an educated decision."
Related Articles

Campaign of pain: FA's Olyroos inquest will pile heat on Vidmar

Olyroos can't crack Jordan code in scoreless cup draw
