Soccer Players And Painkillers

The World

Soccer’s governing body says many players are putting their health at risk by taking painkillers before games.

FIFA says almost 40 percent of players at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa were using painkillers before every match.

Anchor Marco Werman speaks with BBC Science correspondent Matt McGrath about the use of painkillers in soccer and other sports.

Help keep The World going strong!

The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help.

Make a gift today to help us reach our $25,000 goal and keep The World going strong. Every gift will get us one step closer.