Former Kenya U23 Star Calls for Stricter Pitch Safety After Death of Ex-Arsenal Youngster

Nairobi, Kenya — September 26, 2025 (EAT).

The tragic death of former Arsenal youth player Billy Vigar, 22, has reignited calls for stricter pitch safety standards, with former Kenya U23 midfielder Henry Ochieng urging football authorities to enforce more robust regulations to protect players.

The Latest

• Vigar’s Passing: The young forward passed away on September 25, five days after suffering a fatal head injuryduring a match on September 20 while playing for English non-league side Chichester City.

• Official Statement: “Billy received a significant brain injury and was in an induced coma receiving the best possible treatment. Unfortunately, he did not make it,” the club said in a statement confirming his death.

• Ochieng’s Call: Speaking to reporters, Henry Ochieng described the incident as a wake-up call for federations, saying, “We cannot compromise on player safety. Medical readiness, pitch standards, and officiating protocols must all be upgraded.”

Context in Brief

• Vigar joined Arsenal’s academy as a teenager before moving to Chichester City in 2023 to gain senior experience.

• His death adds to a string of player safety concerns globally, including cases of cardiac arrests and head injuries in competitive football.

• FIFA and UEFA have introduced concussion protocols, but critics argue enforcement remains inconsistent across lower-tier leagues and amateur competitions.

Law, Policy & Regulation

• Current Rules: FIFA’s medical regulations require trained first responders, ambulances on-site for high-tier matches, and concussion protocols.

• Gaps: Lower leagues often lack full compliance due to budget constraints or limited oversight, leaving players vulnerable.

• Next Steps: Stakeholders may push for mandatory pre-match medical checks, certified first-aid staff, and standardized safety audits for all competitions.

Voices and Stakeholders

• Henry Ochieng, Ex-Kenya U23: “The game must not continue until players’ lives are protected. Safety must come before results.”

• Chichester City FC: Expressed condolences and pledged full cooperation with safety reviews.

• Football Kenya Federation (FKF): Yet to issue a statement, but analysts expect them to align local standards with global best practices.

Evidence & Data

• Global Stats: FIFA recorded 18 serious head injury cases in 2023 across domestic leagues worldwide.

• Local Gaps: Only 40% of Kenyan Premier League venues meet full FIFA medical standards, according to a 2024 Sports Medicine audit.

Risks & Implications

• Player Welfare: Continued neglect could expose clubs to legal liability.

• Public Confidence: Fans demand transparency on safety measures.

• Regulatory Backlash: Possible new CAF or FIFA mandates after investigation reports.

What We Don’t Know

• Whether criminal negligence charges could arise.

• If FIFA or FA will launch independent investigations.

• Long-term impact on youth football safety reforms.

Timeline

• 2023: Billy Vigar joins Chichester City after Arsenal academy stint.

• September 20, 2025: Suffers head injury in league match.

• September 25, 2025: Passes away in hospital.

• September 26, 2025: Global tributes pour in; calls for reform grow.

What to Watch

• FA Safety Committee: Potential hearings or reviews into grassroots pitch safety.

• FIFA Protocol Updates: Possible new global standards for lower-league competitions.

• CAF/FKF Action: Whether African federations adopt similar concussion protocols.

Related Coverage

• FIFA concussion protocol reforms under review

• Player unions demand stronger medical safeguards in football