Iran 'Criticized' for Not Immediately Substituting Goalkeeper Despite Severe Concussion

Director Kairos: "Bleeding stopped while preparing for substitution... I thought he could play more"
Goalkeeper transferred to hospital unlikely to participate further in this tournament

On the afternoon of the 21st (local time), the Group B first match of the 2022 Qatar World Cup between England and Iran was held at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar. Goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand, who was injured in a collision with teammate defender Majid Hosseini while blocking the ball, is receiving treatment. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jung-wan] Criticism is mounting against the Iran national football team for not immediately substituting a player who showed signs of a concussion during the match.

On the 21st (Korean time), during the Group B first match of the Qatar World Cup held at the Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar against England, Iran's starting goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand collided forcefully with the face of his teammate Majid Hosseini while defending.

Beiranvand collapsed on the ground, bleeding from his nose, and was unable to get up for a long time, receiving emergency treatment while lying down. He later stood up and resumed the game, but shortly after, he showed symptoms such as dizziness and sat down on the field.

Eventually, around the 20th minute of the first half, Iran head coach Carlos Queiroz substituted in backup goalkeeper Hossein Hosseini. According to the sports media The Athletic, after the match, Coach Queiroz revealed that Beiranvand, whose nosebleed did not stop, was transported to the hospital with 'serious concussion' symptoms.

On the afternoon of the 21st (local time), the Group B first match of the 2022 Qatar World Cup between England and Iran was held at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar. Goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand, injured in a collision with teammate defender Majid Hosseini while blocking the ball, is being carried away on a stretcher. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Coach Queiroz said, "It appeared to be bleeding related to a broken nose," adding, "When we were ready to make the substitution, the bleeding stopped, so I thought he could continue playing." He also said, "There were some symptoms that looked like a concussion, but they were not clear. However, one minute later, the player was unable to continue playing and suffered a serious concussion. He is going to the hospital for further examination."

Jermaine Jenas, a commentator for the British public broadcaster BBC and a former England national team player, criticized Coach Queiroz for not immediately substituting Beiranvand. He said, "From the moment Beiranvand injured his head, he should not have been on the field," adding, "He seemed to be forcing himself to play. It's unacceptable."

Luke Griggs, interim chairman of the UK civic group Headway, issued a statement saying, "Although this was the first case where concussion protection regulations were implemented at the FIFA World Cup, it was a disastrous failure," and pointed out, "Beiranvand should not have stayed on the field for even one second, let alone one minute."

Regarding this, FIFA told The Athletic, "We prioritize the health of all players at the World Cup," but added, "The final responsibility for diagnosing and managing concussions lies with each team's medical staff."

Meanwhile, Russian state news agency Sputnik, citing the local news portal Kabar Online, reported that Beiranvand, who was transported to the hospital, appears unlikely to participate further in the tournament.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.