HARRISBURG – With World Cup soccer set to come to Philadelphia in 2025 and 2026, the Pennsylvania Senate approved unanimously legislation sponsored by Sen. Joe Picozzi (R-5) enabling international team doctors to treat their players in the commonwealth.
Philadelphia will host the FIFA Club World Cup this summer and the FIFA World Cup in 2026. In these contests, athletes will be supported by their traveling team doctors. Under current law, each international doctor would be required to obtain a medical license from the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine to treat players, even for just a single match.
“The City of Brotherly Love will be showcased to millions of dedicated fans and dozens of teams from six continents,” said Picozzi, who represents Northeast Philadelphia in the Senate. “We don’t want to let needless red tape negatively impact the matches or prevent future events from being staged here.”
Senate Bill 184 would exempt international team doctors from needing to obtain a Pennsylvania medical license to care for their athletes. Much like how the law treats team physicians licensed in other states, international doctors would be limited to treatment of just their players and would be prohibited from practicing in all health care facilities in the commonwealth.
“I appreciate my colleagues for acting on this incredible opportunity to ensure that all soccer fans, athletes and team staff – including team doctors – have a world-class experience in our beautiful commonwealth,” Picozzi said.
The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
WATCH: Sen. Picozzi urges Senate approval of his legislation enabling World Cup team doctors to treat their players in the commonwealth.
CONTACT: Sonny Mazzone