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Kosovo's first medical and anti-doping conference

Key aspects of emergency medicine, as well as anti-doping rules and procedures, were on the agenda of the inaugural Football Federation of Kosovo (FFK) Medical and Anti-Doping Conference.

Kosovo's first medical and anti-doping conference
Kosovo's first medical and anti-doping conference ©FFK

The Football Federation of Kosovo (FFK) recently organised its first ever Medical and Anti-Doping Conference.

A total of 91 participants, including doctors and physios from all clubs in Kosovo’s top two divisions, were present at the event in Pristina.

Organised by the FFK and supported by Kosovo’s ministry of health and UEFA, the conference focused on key aspects of emergency medicine, as well as anti-doping rules and procedures.

In a mix of lectures and practical sessions, Dr John MacLean, member of the UEFA Medical Committee and an expert in emergency medicine, taught those present how to deal with injured and collapsed players, and cases of suspected concussion.

Richard Grisdale from UEFA’s anti-doping and medical unit gave participants an overview of anti-doping rules and doping control procedures, in addition to the risks caused by the use of nutritional supplements.

“This is the first football medicine and anti-doping conference to take place here in Kosovo,” said Dr Murat Berisha, chief medical officer at the FFK and a graduate of UEFA’s Football Doctor Education Programme.

“When I attended the UEFA FDEP emergency medicine workshop in Barcelona earlier this year,” he added, “I realised how important it is that medical staff working in football in Kosovo should be taught about such important life-saving matters. And there is also a general lack of knowledge about anti-doping, so it was important that we addressed that too.”

“I’m very happy to help UEFA in supporting member associations in their efforts to spread knowledge of emergency medicine,” added Dr MacLean. “It was a really well organised conference, and it was clear the participants were very keen to learn.”

“Having properly trained and equipped medical staff at all training sessions and matches is key to treating serious injuries and preventing sudden cardiac deaths, and conferences like this are a very good way to ensure that the necessary skills are taught to football medical staff.”