During the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™, the FIFA Medical Office will be placing an emphasis on and raising awareness of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).

SCA is a sudden failure of the heart to pump blood around the body when it unexpectedly stops beating regularly. It usually strikes without warning at anytime, anywhere, and can affect anyone, even if they appear healthy. Driven by the tragic death of Marc-Vivien Foé, who suffered an SCA on the pitch during the FIFA Confederations Cup 2003, FIFA implemented a number of initiatives, including the most recent graphic poster.

The poster was created in-house by our own Brand Management team and details the signs to look out for in identifying an SCA. An infographic portrays the emergency steps to take to treat someone suffering an SCA. There are also tips on prevention and a reminder to act fast! The poster will be displayed in the team changing rooms during the FIFA World Cup and we encourage you to share it with your friends and colleagues or print it out and post it in your clubhouse – spread the message and help save a life!

The FIFA Medical Office has also created a new SCA section on FIFA.com with useful links and more detailed information.

We also recommend that you complete the SCA course under Sports Medicine on the FIFA Medical Network website, fifamedicinediploma.com and visit FIFA.com/Sudden-Cardiac-Arrest.