Professional sport concussion guidelines have not been “tainted” by plagiarism despite a leading neurologist admitting to plagiarising other researchers in seven journal articles, an investigation has concluded. 

The AFL commissioned the review into the work of Associate Professor Paul McCrory – who advised the league in various roles from 2011 to 2021 and helped frame its concussion rules – after he was accused of plagiarism earlier this year.  

Professor McCrory was also the lead author on concussion consensus statements used around the world, including by FIFA and the International Olympic Committee, and remained an honorary associate at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health.

Professor McCrory said the first allegation of plagiarism related to an unintentional error on his part.