vipnerd Posted June 27 Report Share Posted June 27 LYON, France, June 27 (Reuters) - Stunned Cameroon players resolved to play the Confederations Cup final against France on Sunday in honour of Marc-Vivien Foe. The 28-year-old Foe collapsed during Cameroon's 1-0 semi-final win over Colombia on Thursday and died shortly after the match. FIFA President Sepp Blatter travelled to Lyon on Friday to console Foe's family and members of the Cameroon squad, who told him they would go ahead with the final in Paris. "I know you are sad, stunned and shocked by what happened to Marc-Vivien Foe yesterday," Blatter said in an emotional address to the players. "We have to face the situation. There's sadness, yes, but hope also. We can keep a vision for the future. "He has left us but his memory continues to live with you, with us and in the world of football." An autopsy on Friday shed no immediate light on the cause of Foe's death but ruled out a stroke. Further tests will be carried out which are expected to be made public in the next few days. STOMACH DISORDER Foe was taking medication for a stomach disorder in the days leading up to the match, FIFA said, but ruled that out as a possible cause of his death. Plans for a national day of mourning in Cameroon were announced and world soccer's ruling body is to consider renaming the next Confederations Cup in the midfielder's honour. "I have learned that you have taken the decision to play in this final and that's great," Blatter told the Cameroon players. "It's great because you are going to play in the memory of someone who not only was your team mate but also your friend. He was a Cameroon football legend. "He was big and strong, the type who sets examples, the prow of the ship." Blatter also met Foe's widow, who lives in Lyon with her three children, the youngest of whom is two months old. He said FIFA would consider a suggestion to rename the next Confederations Cup tournament in the player's honour. "I think it is an excellent idea," he said. "I will raise the matter." GLOWING TRIBUTES The news stunned the world of football, with many leading figures paying glowing tributes to the midfielder. English premier league club Manchester City, for whom Foe played last season on loan, were swamped with tributes for the midfielder who had quickly become a crowd favourite. City said they would retire the number 23 shirt which Foe wore last season when he scored nine goals in 38 matches. They were hoping to sign Foe permanently, although several other clubs were interested in buying him from French champions Olympique Lyon, who issued a statement on their website. "We are left with a memory of a charming boy, the embodiment of a love of life," the statement said. "We will keep the memories of his bursts of laughter, the music which came from his dressing room and his kindness off the field." Perhaps the most eloquent tribute came from France striker Thierry Henry, who pointed to the sky after scoring in his team's 3-2 win over Turkey in the other semi-final on Thursday and dedicated the goal to Foe. In Cameroon's capital Yaounde, celebrations after the game were abruptly halted as fans learned the news. Several people collapsed and were taken to hospital, and bars emptied rapidly. "A national day of mourning will be made to remember this player of ours," Prince Noki Nukete, assistant general secretary of the Cameroon Football Association, told Britain's Sky Sports television. "But we're already mourning for a player fighting for the national colours." Foe played for Cameroon in two World Cups and helped his country win two African Nations Cups in nearly 10 years in the team. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mursa Posted June 27 Report Share Posted June 27 I was actually watching the game live on Galavision when that happened . Total shock ! .......... first he's joggin in the midfield , next thing he falls like a rag doll . A harsh lesson on how PRECIOUS LIFE IS and how quick it can dissapear . RIP .......Marc Vivien Foe , one of Cameroons best soccer players . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happyface Posted June 27 Report Share Posted June 27 I herd about it yesturday,really sad to the sport, teamates, family. Wish Cameroon the best in the final. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
liquidx Posted June 27 Report Share Posted June 27 I know I was watching as well.. I was like Woaaah.. sad day for Soccer aficionados and FIFA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tranzwhore Posted June 27 Report Share Posted June 27 good luck to Cameroon!that was a very sad moment & it was terible to see that happen...especially live! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vipnerd Posted June 27 Author Report Share Posted June 27 Originally posted by mursa I was actually watching the game live on Galavision when that happened . Total shock ! .......... first he's joggin in the midfield , next thing he falls like a rag doll . A harsh lesson on how PRECIOUS LIFE IS and how quick it can dissapear . RIP .......Marc Vivien Foe , one of Cameroons best soccer players . very sad indeed :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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