FIFA seemed to prove its concussion critics right yet again when the international soccer federation permitted Argentina’s Javier Mascherano to return to Wednesday’s World Cup semifinal match after he knocked heads with Holland’s Georginio Wijnaldum.

The midfielder looked like he would be unable to return to the match after the stomach-turning collision, but he returned to the pitch after a brief examination.

“You can’t do an evaluation in three minutes,” says Michael Kaplen, a New York attorney who specializes in brain injury issues. “With concussions, it could take hours or even days for problems to develop. When in doubt, keep them out — that is the mantra.”

FIFA has been widely criticized for taking a laissez-faire approach to concussions, especially after Uruguay’s Alvaro Pereira returned to the game after suffering from a sickening head injury during a group-stage match with England last month.

A doctor called for a substitute after Pereira, kneed in the temple by England’s Raheem Sterling, was helped to the sideline. But Pereira waved the doctor off and returned to the game.

“That is irresponsible,” says William Focazio, the New Jersey physician whose Pain Alternatives, Solution and Treatment has treated dozens of former NFL players who have suffered long-term brain injuries. “We know what has happened to football players. I mean, c’mon, how do they ignore this?”

Kaplen said athletes who return to matches after suffering severe blows risk suffering from “second impact syndrome,” which can lead to serious long-term injuries and even death.

“FIFA should be progressive in this area,” Focazio said. “This is a contact sport. Why don’t these guys wear helmets or some sort of head protection?”