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FIFA considers outlawing backflip celebrations

Nani shows off his trademark celebration with team-mates after scoring a wonder goal © PA Photos

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FIFA could outlaw somersault goal celebrations after the death of Peter Biaksangzuala, who suffered spinal injuries when he celebrated a goal with an attempted back somersault last month, according to its medical chief.

Biaksangzuala, 23, landed awkwardly and was left unconscious after celebrating his goal for Indian Mizoram Premier League side Vengthlang.

Dr. Michel D'Hooge, the chairman of FIFA's medical committee, has put forward plans to make somersault celebrations against the rules.

Lomana Lua Lua, now playing in Turkey, dazzled the Premier League with his acrobatics © PA Photos

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Inside World Football reported him as saying: "FIFA is warning all players not to put themselves in danger like this, but I don't think this will be enough to stop them.

"I believe that it can only be imposed by new legislation making them illegal, but this is going to take a bit more time. We have to go through a formal process and take in the views of other parties such as the players, referees and national associations."

The matter is likely to be discussed at the next International Football Association Board meeting on December 1.

Biaksangzuala, a defensive midfielder, suffered his injuries in the 62nd minute of the MPL game against Chanmari West, Biaksangzuala scored a header and leapt into a series of celebratory back-flips but landed heavily.

He was rushed to hospital, where a CT scan revealed that he had damaged his spinal cord, and died after being transferred to the Intensive Care Unit.

The Mizoram Premier League announced the news in a statement on its official Facebook page.

"Bethlehem Vengthlang FC midfielder Peter Biaksangzuala lost his fight for survival after he suffered a fatal injury while celebrating his goal, the statement read.

"It has been a sad day for Mizoram football and the demise of the footballer shook his team-mates, footballers and fans alike all over Mizoram."

Nani, Lomana Lua Lua, Obafemi Martins and Miroslav Klose are among the players who perform acrobatics during their goal celebrations.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd