FIFPro slams FIFA over Alvaro Pereira not being subbed after head injury

Alvaro Pereira was knocked out after Sterling’s knee hit him in the head

Sao Paulo, June 21 The International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPro) has asked FIFA to conduct a thorough investigation into its own competition concussion protocol which failed to protect Uruguayan footballer Alvaro Pereira during the World Cup match against England Thursday.

Pereira was knocked unconscious during the Group D game when he got a blow to the head from Raheem Sterling's knee and remained on the sidelines with the medics trying to revive him.

After getting up, he rushed onto the pitch without being substituted, reports EFE.

GIF: Pereira stays in after getting brutally kneed straight in the temple. http://t.co/XpNkLH8HmN

— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) June 19, 2014

The association is seeking urgent talks and demanding immediate assurances that FIFA can guarantee the safety of players for the remainder of the tournament and in future competitions.

In the absence of that, FIFPro is suggesting the appointment of independent medical practitioners for all future FIFA competitions.