Soccer world shocked as Cameroon star Foe dies

CAMEROON international footballer Marc Vivien Foe died in Lyon yesterday after playing for his country in the Confederations Cup semi-final against Colombia.

The 28-year-old was stretchered off the pitch in the 72nd minute unconscious amidst fears that he had swallowed his tongue.

The player, who spent last season on loan with Manchester City, was not the victim of a foul when he collapsed in the middle of the field. Play was held up for six minutes as the stricken player, winning his 62nd cap, was taken to the touchline to receive attention.

A doctor from FIFA confirmed the news at the medical centre of Lyon football club’s Stade Gerland shortly after the match which the African champions won 1-0. “Marc Vivien Foe, who fainted, was taken to the medical block at the stadium to be placed under cardiac reanimation for 45 minutes. That was not sufficient and he died. It is a sad day for football,” said Dr Alfred Muller. “It is still too early to determine the exact cause of death.”

Muller added that the coach of Cameroon, German Winfried Schaefer, and Francisco Maturana of Colombia would not be making any statement on the tragedy.

At the Stade de France in Paris, where France were facing Turkey in the other semi-final, a minute’s silence was observed while players such as Thierry Henry and keeper Gregory Coupet were in tears as the teams lined up. Spectators at the stadium were informed of the tragedy by a loudspeaker announcement.

“In tragic circumstances, the player, Marc Vivien Foe, died this afternoon,” said the announcer before the minute’s silence was observed. “FIFA and all of the football family sends its sincere condolences to his family and friends.”

A photograph of the player was shown on the giant screen during the minute’s silence.

Coupet and Sidney Govou, both team-mates of Foe at Lyon, both broke down in tears as the national anthems were played while French coach Jacques Santini, who used to be in charge at the French champions, also had tears in his eyes.

When Henry opened the scoring for France early in the match, he pointed to the sky, in an apparent dedication of the goal to Foe.

Meanwhile Real Madrid striker Raul will not be moving to Manchester United, the player’s agent said yesterday. Raul’s reply was in response to suggestions in Spain that Real Madrid were ready to sell their star striker to United just a week after paying the English champions 35m for England captain David Beckham.

“Raul will not leave Madrid,” said agent Gines Carvajal after meeting officials of the Spanish club. “There is no problem despite some reports in some media organs. And even less with the president, Florentino Perez.” Earlier yesterday, the Cope radio station said a deal was in the offing but Real denied the story.

Ronaldo was also reported by sports daily Marca to have pleaded with Real president Florentino Perez to sign his Brazil World Cup team-mate Ronaldinho from Paris St Germain.

Manchester are trying to sign Ronaldinho although Perez said last week he would be interested in the player for next season.

Cope also said sacked Real coach Vicente Del Bosque and ousted Real captain Fernando Hierro have been offered jobs at relegated Madrid side Rayo Vallecano.

Real have replaced Del Bosque as coach with United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz who has promised that Beckham will be a first-choice player.