Ecuador’s Benitez dies aged 27

Ecuador and former Birmingham striker Christian Benitez died yesterday after suffering a cardiorespiratory arrest, less than a month after signing for Qatari club Al Jaish.

Benitez, known as ‘Chucho’ was admitted to hospital with severe stomach pain hours after making his debut against Qatar Sports Club in the Sheikh Jassem Cup but died shortly afterwards. He was 27.

Benitez joined Al Jaish earlier in July from Club America, after previous spells with El Nacional, Santos Laguna and Birmingham.