Major study into links between football and brain disease commissioned

Earlier, Alan Shearer questioned whether enough had been done by governing bodies to protect players.

A major study assessing whether footballers are at greater risk of degenerative brain disease is ready to be launched as concerns grow about dementia in former players.

After an eight-month evaluation period, Press Association Sport understands a research group will be appointed in the next few weeks to take on the most comprehensive study of its kind, jointly commissioned by the Football Association and Professional Footballers' Association.