Patrick Ekeng: Dinamo Bucharest and Cameroon midfielder dies after collapse

Patrick Ekeng vies for the ball
Patrick Ekeng (left) had previously played for Le Mans and Cordoba

Dinamo Bucharest and Cameroon midfielder Patrick Ekeng has died aged 26 of a suspected heart attack after collapsing on the pitch.

Ekeng fell to the floor in the 70th minute of a televised Romanian league match between Dinamo and Viitorul.

He was pronounced dead in hospital two hours later.

The Romanian Football Federation announced on Saturdayexternal-link the Romanian Cup final between Dinamo and Cluj would be put back a week to 17 May.

It said all games scheduled for this weekend would be postponed.

The Cameroonian FA confirmed Ekeng's death on Twitterexternal-link on Friday, while his former club Cordoba tweeted:external-link "We have no words to express our sadness at the loss."

Ekeng had also previously played for Le Mans and Lausanne.

In 2003, Cameroon international midfielder Marc-Vivien Foe died after collapsing during a Confederations Cup match against Colombia in France.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino said: "At moments like this, words seem insufficient. Messages I've read online from teammates, his club in Romania, and former teams, show just how highly Patrick was regarded."

Stephane Mbia tweet
Ekeng's international team-mate Stephane Mbia (right) paid this tribute on Twitter
Hector Bellerin tweet
Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin was among those to react to the news
Anthony Martial tweet
Manchester United striker Anthony Martial also paid his respects

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