TNT Sports
'Nothing abnormal'
By
Published 27/06/2003 at 15:58 GMT+1
An autopsy on Cameroon midfielder Marc-Vivien Foe showed nothing abnormal in his death, which was not caused by a stroke. "First analysis showed nothing abnormal but we rule out any stroke. Toxicological tests, which will take longer, will be carried out,
Eurosport
Image credit: TNT Sports
FIFA said Foe had suffered from diarrhoea before the Confederations Cup semi-final against Colombia on Thursday during which he collapsed. He was declared dead shortly after the match.
Cameroon team doctor Olivier Assamba said Foe had recovered from the stomach upset, insisting there was no connection with the problem and the player's death.
"The results being all right, it was confirmed that there was no infection. Treatment was infusion of NaCl (sodium chloride) and immodium. On the evening of June 25, the player felt well," FIFA said in a statement.
Speaking to reporters outside Cameroon's training base at L'Etrat, near St Etienne, Assamba said: "We definitely think there is no cause and effect link between this problem and what happened to him."
In a detailed rundown of events on the pitch at the Stade Gerland on Thursday, a FIFA statement said Foe was breathing immediately after collapsing, but that his eyes were rolled back, showing only the whites.
"This may be the sign of the beginning of coma," FIFA said.
After Foe was brought to the stadium's first aid centre, a decision was taken on the spot by the head French doctor not to have the player taken to hospital.
"An ambulance is in any case ready on standby to transport the player to hospital, if need be. The first aid station is fully equipped to offer the same medical assistance/treatment as a hospital," FIFA said.
Foe's condition was unchanged when he arrived at the first-aid unit, where he was given an infusion and oxygen.
"During this process, the heart stopped beating and reanimation treatment was immediately started...approximately seven minutes after entering the first aid station.
"This means 12-13 minutes after the player first collapsed on the field of play." Doctors tried reanimation for some 45 minutes, in vain, and his time of death was recorded at 8.20pm.
"Cameroon team members were given the opportunity to pay their respects to their deceased team mate," the statement said.
EXACT CAUSE
FIFA said the exact cause of death would be revealed "in the next few days" following the coroner's decision.
Chuck Blazer, chairman of the Confederations Cup organising committee, said Foe had received the best possible medical care.
"I have to praise all who were involved in dealing with this tragedy. They had a sensible medical approach," Blazer told a news conference on Friday.
"We are not dealing with a situation in which there is a lack of medical attention," he said. "At this stage we are certain that everything that was required has been done.
"There was an excellent organisation from the people on the site and they did what they have to do to cope with an emergency situation."
He also pointed that Foe had not been over-used during the tournament as he sat out Cameroon's third match.
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