COVID-19 Among Elite Soccer Players: Lessons Learned from Effectiveness of Health Protocols

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic shocked the globe unexpectedly, and the elite player community was no exception. The only weapon world had to defeat it was health protocols besides vaccines. However, were these protocols effective among professional soccer players? Are they useful for a further possible pandemic? Objectives: This study assessed how adhering to health protocol affects the player’s COVID-19 serology tests (IgG and IgM), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results, and symptoms. Methods: This study was performed on 321 professional football players from Iran Premier League during pre-season examinations. Players adhering to health protocols and COVID-19 symptoms were assessed through a questionnaire in the last 14 days and 6 months. Participants’ PCR tests and anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (IgG and IgM) were recorded. A P-value of less than 0.05 was regarded as significant. Results: Logistic regression results showed that PCR tests are 6.60 times more likely to be positive for players who often wore masks outside the camp than those who have always worn masks. On the other hand, for those who always wore a mask inside team camp, the chance of a positive IgG test was 0.17 compared to players who had never done that in the last 14 days. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that in a pandemic, like COVID-19, despite negative PCR serology or having any symptoms, encouraging our professional athletes to wear masks and physical distancing of 6 feet outside the camp and at least doing these health protocols inside the team camp between training might be helpful. Other health protocols like hand hygiene might be recommended to elite football players like ordinary people. However, there is no need for extra emphasis, especially inside the team camp.