World Cup player signs petition calling for protection from extreme heat

Breaking news from the world of sport: World Cup player signs petition calling for protection from extreme heatImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Morten Thorsby made his Norway debut in 2017ByKatie Gornall Sport correspondentPublished12 minutes agoNorway midfielder Morten Thorsby says "everybody in football loses" if Fifa does not do more to protect players from extreme heat at this summer's World Cup. Thorsby is among a group of current and former professional footballers who have written to football's world governing body, external calling for stronger heat protocols before the expanded tournament in the US, Canada and Mexico. The letter backs concerns raised last week by leading scientists and medical experts, who warned that Fifa's current heat safety measures should be strengthened and will risk player safety.

Thorsby, who plays for Italian Serie A club Cremonese and has campaigned on climate issues in football for more than a decade, says the issue is about more than player welfare. "It's also a message to Fifa - they have to do more to take care of people and the planet," the 30 year-old told Sport. "They have a huge responsibility and they're not doing enough in terms of how big their impact and their influence is.

Match Details

"'Sport loses its value if players can't perform'Thorsby is expected to feature at the World Cup after Norway qualified for the first time in 28 years. Heat is predicted to be an issue, with researchers warning that temperatures at 14 of the 16 stadiums being used could exceed dangerous levels. Fifa has said it has enhanced heat protocols for the tournament, including mandatory three-minute cooling breaks in every half of every match, regardless of the conditions.

A spokesperson said: "Fifa is committed to protecting the health and safety of players, referees, fans, volunteers and staff. "But the players' letter says Fifa should go further, supporting calls from medical experts for stronger protections, including longer cooling breaks and clearer protocols for delaying or postponing games in extreme conditions. "For the players, it's an obvious problem of heat impacting the performance.

Obviously the intensity of the game goes down," Thorsby said. "There are dangers related to heat-related problems, but it's also a huge problem for the spectators. "Football is also an entertainment industry.

Reactions and Expectations

The spectacle and the show and the sport loses its value if the players are not able to perform at their best. "Everybody in football loses by not tackling this. "Why are more players not speaking out?

The letter has been signed by players past and present from across the men's and women's game, including Italy defender Elena Linari, former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha and Ipswich town forward Chuba Akpom. "We need more high-profile players to join this debate," Thorsby said. "The more profiled and the more attention you have, the more difficult it is to speak up because you know how much attention it creates.

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.