/ 12 March 1999

U-20 CONTEST MEDICAL PLANS APPROVED

FOOTBALL’S ruling body has approved emergency medical plans, including evacuation, when Nigeria host the World Under-20 Championships next month. There have been fears voiced by coaches of the standard of the medical conditions in the country. English Premiership coach David O’Leary of Leeds United announced recently that he would not allow any of his players to take part in the tournament. In a bid to allay fears, Fifa’s medical committee were told on Thursday of special provisions that have been put in place in Nigeria. They include specially trained personnel, a dedicated telecommunications network and the provision for seriously injured or sick players to be sent abroad if necessary.

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