May 14 – UEFA has unveiled Haleon as its first-ever Medical Health Partner in a multi-year agreement that will focus on the science of pain management using the expertise of both organisations.
The British headquartered global consumer health company, whose brands include Advil, Centrum, Otrivin, Panadol, parodontax, Polident, Sensodyne, Theraflu and Voltaren, will work with UEFA Medical and its expertise in football medicine and injury prevention to advance “clinically informed, evidence-based approaches to football-related pain management”.
The scientific collaboration and knowledge exchange aims to strengthen standards and guidance in pain management, protect player health and support recovery.
UEFA’s chief of medical and anti-doping, Dr Zoran Bahtijarević, said: “This partnership with Haleon reflects our shared interest in advancing the scientific understanding of pain management in football. By working together on research and knowledge exchange, we have the opportunity to further develop evidence‑based guidance that supports clinicians and medical teams in their day‑to‑day practice. Strengthening the quality and clarity of scientific evidence remains central to UEFA Medical’s mission, and this collaboration provides a valuable framework to continue that work.”
The partnership will address what they say is a “wider lack of clear, science-based guidance available beyond elite sport, generating and sharing evidence to support clinicians, teams and players at all levels of the game.”
Educational initiatives will include webinars and digital learning modules focussed on bringing evidence‑led approaches to pain management into everyday clinical practice across Europe. A particular focus will be placed on topical‑first approaches informed by scientific evidence and relevant to football-related injuries.
UEFA Medical and Haleon have previously collaborated on research supporting the use of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for early pain relief in sports injuries.
Eran Gefen, VP and head of medical & scientific affairs, OTC, Haleon said:“Haleon’s role in this collaboration is to bring medical expertise that strengthens the scientific guidance available to healthcare professionals managing pain in active individuals. By combining Haleon’s trusted pain-relief expertise and portfolio of pain-relief and sensorial relief brands – recommended by consumers and healthcare professionals alike – with UEFA’s specialist knowledge, we can provide clearer, evidence‑informed advice that supports self-care, a safe return to movement and helps people choose pain solutions that are right for their needs.”
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