World players' union FIFPro has accused FIFA of "failing to protect players during the World Cup over its treatment of concussion and said football is in the dark ages regarding the issue." It warned of the "potential for lawsuits worth hundreds of millions of dollars for those injured," following the final in which Germany's Christoph Kramer was "allowed to play on after a blow to the head, before being replaced." FIFPro claimed the problem will become a "tidal wave that will engulf" the Champions League and the "domestic leagues of Europe in the new season" (London GUARDIAN, 7/14). ... FIFA extended Nigeria's deadline due to the "industrial action embarked on by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria." FIFA said that the suspension "will be lifted as soon as the court action is withdrawn and the properly elected NFF executive committee, the NFF General Assembly and the NFF administration are able to work without government’s interference" (NIGERIAN TRIBUNE, 7/15). ... Swiss hospitality company Match Services CEO Ray Whelan "surrendered to a local Rio de Janeiro court on Monday" amid an investigation "into the illegal resale of VIP World Cup tickets." The court said that Whelan "gave himself up to the Rio de Janeiro-state Justice Tribunal in downtown Rio" (REUTERS, 7/15). ... The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced that it will "hold a summit this Friday, with 'vanishing spray' on the agenda." The spray was "successfully used by officials at this summer's World Cup." Upon the request of both Serie A and Serie B, "leading figures within Italian football will discuss the possibility of allowing the spray to be used in domestic matches" (FOOTBALL ITALIA, 7/15).
