Predictors of Football-Related Injuries Among Malaysian Collegiate Players: Analysis of Positional Roles, Playing Experience, and Injury Prevention Practices
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24191/21rmjt28Keywords:
FIFA 11, injury prevention, football, collegiate players, MalaysiaAbstract
Football-related injuries are highly prevalent among collegiate players, particularly in Malaysia where systematic prevention strategies are underutilized. The FIFA 11+ Injury Prevention Program (IPP) is proven to reduce injury risk by up to 46% when fully implemented, yet its adoption and effectiveness in the collegiate setting remain poorly understood. Identifying predictors of injury in this context is essential for tailoring targeted preventive strategies. This study aimed to examine the predictors of football-related injuries among Malaysian collegiate players, focusing on positional roles, years of playing experience, and adherence to the FIFA 11+ program. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between February and August 2024 among 80 male collegiate football players recruited from universities in Malaysia. A structured bilingual (Malay and English) questionnaire collected data on demographics, football background, injury history, and FIFA 11+ practices. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, ANOVA, and binary logistic regression, with results expressed as adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The prevalence of football-related injuries was 82.5%, with lower limb injuries accounting for 96.9% of cases. Among injured players, 63.6% sustained multiple injuries, with sprains (42.5%) and muscle strains (36.3%) most common. Midfielders had the highest risk of multiple injuries compared with goalkeepers (AOR = 8.67, 95% CI: 1.59–47.15, p = 0.012), while players with more than 10 years of experience were nearly six times more likely to sustain multiple injuries than novices (AOR = 5.70, 95% CI: 1.20–27.12, p = 0.029). Only 17.5% of respondents fully adhered to the FIFA 11+, whereas partial (62.5%) or non-adherence (20.0%) significantly increased injury risk. Rare implementation and incomplete performance of program components were strongly associated with multiple injuries (p < 0.05). This study demonstrates that positional demands, prolonged playing experience, and poor adherence to the FIFA 11+ program are key predictors of multiple injuries in Malaysian collegiate football. Targeted prevention for high-risk groups and institutional strategies to strengthen program adherence are essential to reduce injury burden and enhance player safety.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Sze Kei Tham, Yi Ki Tee, Wan Zhi Wong, Mohamad Nashrullah Mohd Saleh, Nor Azura Azmi, Muhammad Noh Zulfikri Mohd Jamali, Kanagarajah Rarujanai, Mohd Azzuan Ahmad
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