Foé dies in Confederations Cup game

The Confederations Cup in France was overshadowed by tragedy last night when the Cameroon midfielder Marc-Vivien Foé collapsed on the pitch and later died in searing heat in Lyon during a semi- final against Colombia .

In the 71st minute of the game, Foé, who was on loan at Manchester City last season and has also played at West Ham, fell down unchallenged around the midfield circle. Emergency staff came on to the pitch for help to make sure the unconscious 28-year-old did not swallow his tongue.

Foé, who left Manchester City and returned to Lyon at the end of the season, was carried off on a stretcher to the touchline where he received further treatment, including mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and extra oxygen.

Fifa's medical officer Alfred Mueller said: "The French doctors tried to reanimate him for 45 minutes. During this time, we had unfortunately no reaction from the player."

Mueller said the cause of death was "not absolutely clear". He added: "It is a very tragic situation for international soccer, for Fifa, for the players, for the player's family and for Cameroon soccer."

Temperatures peaked into the 30Cs.But even though the tournament has been criticised for a quick succession of games at the end of a long season, Foé had played only 154 minutes of a possible 270 during the group stage and sat out Monday's game against New Zealand.

The death totally overshadowed Cameroon's 1-0 win over Colombia and qualification for the final of the eight-nation tournament.

Harry Redknapp, the Portsmouth manager who signed Foé for West Ham for £4m in January 1999, said last night that he had faxed an offer to the player yesterday, an offer he might have read last night. Redknapp said: "I can't quite believe it. He was a quiet man, a gentle giant."

West Ham 's spokesman Peter Stewart said: "I am stunned by the news. I got to know Marc very well during his time at West Ham. He was very popular at the club and a favourite with the fans.

"He always had a smile on his face. He was a very great player and was likened to Patrick Vieira but more than that he was a lovely guy. When he came back with Manchester City we renewed old friendships. When he spotted me he came running over and gave me one of those huge cuddles of his. We are all stunned."

A one minute's silence was held before hosts France contentiously went ahead with their Confederations Cup semi-final against Turkey in Paris later last night.

News of Foé's death was relayed to the players only minutes before they walked out for the pre-match formalities. A spokesman for the French organising committee said: "It all happened much too late to do anything about the staging of the match."