A somber cloud hangs over Bayern Munich’s youth training camp in Riesa, Saxony, following the sudden death of an Afghan coach identified simply as Ashgar.
The coach, who had been participating in the camp as an honorary trainer, reportedly collapsed on the pitch of the Feralpi Arena during a lunch break on Monday.
Despite prompt intervention by emergency responders, he was later confirmed dead at the hospital, as reported by German outlet Diesachsen.
The camp, which had welcomed 119 young players from Riesa and nearby areas for five days of training with coaches from the Bundesliga giants, was abruptly cut short in respect for the deceased.
BSG Stahl Riesa, Bayern’s local partner in a three-year training camp deal, confirmed the heartbreaking development via a statement, “Ashgar (…) collapsed on the pitch of the Feralpi Arena during the lunch break. In the afternoon, we received the sad news that Ashgar lost his life in hospital.”
Bayern Munich also responded to the incident, expressing their grief in a message to the families of those participating at the camp, “We are all dismayed and shocked by the tragic incident during our FC Bayern Campus training session in Riesa,” Bayern wrote in an email to the parents.
“There are no words for such a situation, our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the family, relatives and friends.”
In addition, Bayern has made psychological support available to all children, parents, and staff affected by the tragic event.
Ashgar, who had been coaching an U-13 youth team in Austria, was remembered fondly by his club, TSV Hartberg. The club posted an emotional tribute on Instagram, “With his always friendly, helpful and professional manner, he was very popular with all players, parents, colleagues and officials. His sudden death tears a deep hole in our club.”
In another heartbreaking incident early Wednesday, Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota tragically died in a car crash in Spain.
The accident also claimed the life of his younger brother, who was likewise a footballer.
The football world has been left stunned by these tragic losses in quick succession.
