Web Desk
A tragic incident unfolded during an international youth tournament in Frankfurt, as a 15-year-old footballer from Berlin lost his life after sustaining severe injuries during a fight with players from a French team, according to the police.
The teenager succumbed to his severe brain injuries while in the hospital, as stated by the local police in an official statement. The altercation occurred on Sunday, shortly after the final whistle, between the victim’s team, JFC Berlin, and a team from the French second-division club Metz.
Following the fight, a 16-year-old player from the French team was arrested and remains in custody, confirmed the authorities.
Investigators are currently examining the detailed sequence of events leading to the injuries sustained by the young player.
In a separate statement, the police revealed that the victim was struck on the head or neck, causing him to fall to the ground and requiring resuscitation.
Although the victim had been declared brain dead on Tuesday, he was kept on life support to facilitate organ donation, according to a spokesperson from the Frankfurt prosecutor’s office.
FC Metz, the French club involved, expressed its deep shock and extended sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the young player in a statement released on Wednesday evening. The club emphasized its willingness to cooperate with German authorities in their investigation.
The club had previously confirmed that a player from its “Performance Programme,” which provides high-level training to young footballers worldwide, was in custody under German authorities. The club stated that the player denies intentionally causing serious bodily harm.
The tournament organizers expressed their disbelief and immense sadness regarding the tragic events in a statement issued on Tuesday.
The incident remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the altercation.
