UEFA launches medical handover protocol to strengthen player care  

This pilot initiative precedes the future introduction of an integrated medical platform for European football, representing the long-term goal of effective medical data-sharing across European football.

The new protocol, developed in collaboration with European Football Clubs (EFC), is designed to help medical staff share key information securely when players move between club and national team environments. It will serve as an initial step and learning phase, helping to inform and refine processes ahead of the new platform’s implementation, while already supporting player health, continuity of care and consistent medical standards across the game.

One platform for all

The protocol introduces a standardised process for exchanging relevant medical information, subject to player consent and data protection requirements, and will initially be delivered via the existing Team Information Management Exchange (TIME) tool.

The initiative marks an important step in testing and refining how relevant information can be made available to medical staff at the right time, supporting safer and more consistent care for players across competitions. The tool will initially be available to Europe's senior men’s and women’s national teams, as well as to the clubs of players called up to those squads, with the aim of making it more widely available, including to non-European clubs and national associations in seasons to follow.

The new programme forms part of a broader pre-season medical update and represents an initial phase within a wider medical digitalisation project. All teams must designate one medical contact to manage communications related to player handovers, while staff must proactively monitor and update the platform as needed.

Protecting supporters

While minimum medical requirements for UEFA competitions remain unchanged for 2026/27, we have introduced new minimum medical recommendations for spectators at UEFA matches.

While responsibility for spectator medical services remains with local authorities under their own regulations, our new document sets out the minimum medical services that should be provided to the public and will be checked on matchday by UEFA safety and security officers.

What else is new for 2026/27?

We have launched new guidelines for the on-pitch assessment of possible head injuries to support a more structured approach to identifying and assessing potential concussions during matches.

Additionally, the new UEFA Youth Heading Framework will help coaches teach youth players how to head the ball safely, confidently and correctly. The guidance promotes a cautious, age-appropriate approach, with younger players using foam, balloon or lightweight balls before progressing gradually to controlled heading drills. It emphasises quality over quantity, limiting unnecessary repetition while developing the full technique sequence, from footwork and body position to neck strength, forehead contact, communication and safe decision-making.

The framework also highlights the importance of neck and core activation in warm-ups, correct ball size and pressure, and reducing heading exposure after matches with frequent aerial duels.

These new and updated measures reinforce our commitment to player welfare, continuity of care and clear medical standards across the game.