FIFA, the global governing body of soccer, appointed sports medicine physician Dr. Andrew Massey as director of its medical department.
Dr. Massey leaves his post as head of medical services at Liverpool FC, which is on course to win its first ever Premier League title this season.
In his new role, Dr. Massey will be responsible for improving the health of football players, from grassroots to the elite level around the world. He will also supervise medical services at FIFA tournaments.
"The work of a physician at club level focuses on 25 players and offers little chance to effect the broader public," Dr. Massey said in an interview with FIFA. "FIFA has a much bigger reach towards the public and through the establishment of policies it can have an impact on the health of players and individuals through football."
The Northern Ireland physician began his career in sports medicine as a national team physician with the Irish Football Association in 2008, before joining Liverpool five years later.