UEFA Club Licensing Requirements

UEFA have introduced new medical tests as part of their licensing system for the 2008 to 2009 season.  These have followed three high profile heart related deaths in the European football league last season. 

Cardiac screening has been a requirement for all competitive athletes under Italian law since 1982.  Recent studies have shown a 90% reduction in numbers in competition related sudden cardiac deaths during this time - from 3.6/100,000 to 0.4/100,000 per year. 

As of August this year all professional team squad players will have to be tested and cleared. 

What this involves

• A full medical history focussing on family history of heart disease and current symptoms.
• A full cardiac examination.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG).
• An echocardiogram or ultrasound-scan of the heart.

Further investigations may be necessary as a result of the above. 

The likely consequences

All studies have suggested that disqualification rates following the above tests are below 2% and only 0.4 to 0.6% are due to heart disease. 

Private Heart Specialists has the necessary experience and access to provide a comprehensive screening programme for your club and all its personnel.