FIFA fears abuse of anti-inflammatory medicine

Brussels: FIFA's medical chief says the abuse of anti-inflammatory medicine by football players is a bigger problem facing the sport than doping.

Michel D'Hooghe said Monday that the abuse of anti-inflammatories is especially more prominent among teenage players who counter any bruise or over-exertion of muscles with the strong medicines which can have serious effects on kidneys, stomach and intestines later in life.

D'Hooghe said in an interview with The Associated Press that "the most worrying aspect is that we see the problem moving ever more into the youth categories."

He said the increase among younger players was especially evident at the 2011 Under- 17 World Cup in Mexico and had risen since.