Footballers tested for heart defects

FIFA will check every player going to the World Cup this summer for possible heart defects.

All members of the 32 squads will have cardiovascular and electrocardiogram tests prior to the finals in Germany which begin in June.

This is to avoid a repeat of the tragedy when Cameroon’s Marc-Vivien Foe collapsed and died during the 2003 Confederations Cup semi-final.

All team doctors will be given first-aid defibrillators and trained to use the equipment in case of sudden cardiac arrest by players, officials or spectators during the finals in Germany.

FIFA’s chief medical officer Professor Jiri Dvorak said: "Thorough preventive examinations can reduce the risk of sudden cardiac arrest.

"As the attention of the whole world will be focused on the World Cup in Germany, FIFA is sending out a clear signal that the footballers’ well-being takes pride of place.

"The players’ health is the most important criterion. Our sports medical knowledge on preventing injury and taking effective precautions has enabled us to recommend a sound preventive programme including specific examinations."

At a workshop in Dusseldorf today all team doctors signed a joint declaration pledging to support FIFA’s anti-doping strategy.

Four players from each team will be subject to random tests by FIFA in the build-up to the finals. Players will also be tested in domestic anti-doping programmes in months leading up to the tournament.