London-born former professional footballer George Cohen has reportedly proposed banning children below 10 years old from heading the ball. This, he said, may help reduce the health risks they might face when they get older.

The 77-year-old 1966 World Cup hero from England recently committed to donate his brain when he dies to help researchers find out if hitting the ball with one's head could potentially lead to dementia. It is worth noting that Cohen was active in the football field for more than one decade.

Like Us on Facebook

This move was his response to a call from experts for former football players to donate their brain after death to help science determine if indeed the sport has something to do with the brain disease.

"Whatever will help, I mean why not? It's no use to me anymore at that stage," George Cohen told The Mirror. "I suppose it's all down to the relatives - my wife Daphne says she wouldn't mind, and I certainly wouldn't mind." 

"I wouldn't be aware of it so I don't see a reason for me to not want to, as long as my relatives are OK with it," he added.

According to Telegraph UK, the call was initiated by some experts from the University College London after they discovered signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in four ex-football players.

The Football Association (FA) has been in hot water following speculations that the sport poses hazard to the mental health of players. As a result, there have been campaigns for more research and thorough investigation into the possible connection between heading the ball and dementia.

Apart from George Cohen, former Manchester United star Pat Crerand has also responded positively to the call. The latter is now 77 years old as well.