In 2002 The FA forwarded specific information regarding boots with blades to FIFA, alerting them to concerns that had been raised by several parties within English football.

This was submitted to FIFA as these boots are worn around the world. The submission also included relevant information from manufacturers relating to the safety controls that the boots go through.

However, we are not aware of any evidence-based research to indicate that these boots are more unsafe or produce more injuries than with traditional conical studs. There is also a wide range of such boots on the market made by different manufacturers with different designs and materials, in the same way as there is a wide range of boots with traditional studs.

The FA has instructed referees to carry out a stringent pre-match check of footwear, irrespective of the type of stud and a referee must not sanction play if he deems a boot’s studs to be unsafe. We have also suggested to manufacturers that with the boots comes advice on maintenance for players to follow.

Finally, as it is a requirement of the Laws of the Game (Law 4) that ‘a player must not use equipment or wear anything which is dangerous to himself or another player…’ we have reminded all players that they are responsible for the upkeep of their boots to ensure that they are safe, regardless of the type of stud featured.

We have not received any indication from FIFA that they consider there to be concerns about players wearing boots with blades and we will continue to take lead from them with regards to this matter.