Study finds 2022 World Cup being held in the winter led to increased injury severity in European top leagues


Study finds 2022 World Cup being held in the winter led to increased injury severity in European top leagues

A study has found that the World Cup held in Qatar last year led to players within Europe’s top five leagues being injured for an average of eight days longer in the months that followed the tournament. 

The data was published by insurance broker Howden in their European Football Injury Index for the 2022-23 season with players spending an average of 11.35 days sidelined in October 2022 compared to 19.41 days in January 2023 following the tournament. Certain injuries significantly increased with ankle injuries increasing by 170%, calf or shin by 200% and hamstring by 130%. 

Howdens head of sport James Burrows said “We hope our research and analysis will provide Europe's top clubs with additional insight as they continue to talk to the game's governing bodies about an improved alignment of the domestic and international calendars and the broad issue of fixture congestion.” 

You can access the Injury Index here

You may also like

View All

ITIA v Teso

A decision in the case of International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) against Kaili Demi Teso has been issued by the Independent Panel

Read More

Male NFL cheerleaders cause a stir and highlight bigotry within sport

With around one-third of National Football League teams embracing male cheerleaders, the league has faced backlash, which has also highlighted the bigotry within sport

Read More

Club World Cup to potentially be held every 2 years and expand by 16 teams

FIFA could potentially hold the Club World Cup every 2 years from 2029 and expand the tournament by 16 teams, triggering further backlash

Read More