AFC to study the effects of travel across multiple time zones on the performance level and medical welfare of footballers

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

AFC to study the effects of travel across multiple time zones on the performance level and medical welfare of footballers

Kuala Lumpur: A comprehensive study is to be commissioned by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Medical Committee into the effects of travel across multiple time zones on the performance level and medical welfare of footballers.

Meeting in Kuala Lumpur today, the Committee, chaired by Dato’ Gurcharan Singh, reflected on the lack of detailed research into the effects of jet-lag and travel fatigue on players due to financial and logistical constraints.

Recognising that AFC has more time zones than any other Confederation, the Committee felt a study was important adding that, following a consensus meeting on the subject in November 2017, it was agreed that travel across more than five time-zones could affect football participation and performance.

The committee also added that the most effective treatment for jet lag was timed bright light exposure which, if possible, should coincide with training sessions.

At the meeting the Committee also adopted the latest FIFA Anti-doping regulations and agreed to support the Football Clinic International Congress which will be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in October 2018.

The Committee heard that between September 2017 and March 2018 a total of 219 tests had been conducted under the AFC’s Anti-Doping programme and only one positive test was reported from those samples.