Shock as young Abu Dhabi footballer dies

Youth football pays tribute with minute's silence for boy who played for Ecole Française de Football.

ABU DHABI // The youth football community was mourning the loss of one of their own after a boy died while training last week.

Zeyad, a pupil of the French curriculum Lycee Theodore Monod d’Abu Dhabi, played for Ecole Francaise de Football at the Armed Forces Officers Club. He died due to heart complications on Thursday.

On Friday, the club posted a message on its social media account announcing that all matches this past weekend had been cancelled “due to unfortunate circumstances”.

Youth football teams across the city observed a minute’s silence yesterday in respect. The capital’s second French school, Lycée Louis Massignon, will also observe a minute’s silence on Sunday in solidarity, a circular from the principal said.

Lycee Theodore Monod acknowledged the death through social media.

“Zeyad’s family will receive condolences from all those who wish to support them at this difficult time,” said the Lycee Theodore Monod post, which announced a time and location for mourners to gather on Saturday.

One educator from the French community said “everybody is very shocked”, while a Lycée Louis Massignon parents group posted on Facebook that “our thoughts and prayers are with the parents and family”.

Zeyad’s school announced it would host a tribute on Sunday, followed by a minute’s silence. Its flags will also be lowered to half-mast. Parents are welcome to attend.