Who decides whether a player with a suspected concussion carries on?

Question

Accepted Answer

The team does, not the match officials. Under the IFAB Additional permanent concussion substitutions protocol (2026/27), the referee and other match officials, especially the fourth official: are not part of the team's decision on whether a player is substituted, or whether by a normal or a concussion substitute must not decide whether an injury qualifies for a concussion substitute should support an injured player, including by telling the captain, coach or medical staff if they suspect a player needs assessment or treatment should support a decision by the captain, coach or medical staff that a player cannot continue, which may mean the referee delays the restart until the player has left the field must report to the authorities any concern that a concussion substitution was used inappropriately Under Law 5, a head injury such as concussion is one of the severe injuries that can be treated on the field, and the player is not then forced to leave for the one-minute period.