Uruguayan footballer Juan Izquierdo dies after collapsing during match

Nacional defender Juan Izquierdo, who collapsed on the pitch after suffering an irregular heartbeat last week, has died, his Uruguayan club said on Tuesday.

The 27-year-old had been undergoing medical treatment since collapsing during a Copa Libertadores game against Sao Paulo on August 22 in Brazil.

“It is with the deepest sorrow and shock in our hearts that the Club Nacional announces the death of our beloved player Juan Izquierdo,” Nacional wrote on X.

“We express our most sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones. All of Nacional is in mourning for his irreparable loss.”

Alejandro Dominguez, the president of South American football’s governing body, also extended his condolences to Izquierdo’s family and friends.

“South American football is in mourning,” he added.

Sao Paulo said they were deeply saddened by the news, calling it a “sad day for football”.

Uruguay’s first and second division leagues were later postponed due to Izquierdo’s health. “Given the delicate health situation of footballer Juan Izquierdo, we inform our decision to suspend the professional football activity scheduled for this weekend,” said the association for the rights of professional footballers in Uruguay (MUFP).

Izquierdo’s career comprised spells at Cerro, Peñarol, Wanderers and Liverpool in Uruguay.

Izquierdo fell to the ground unconscious in the 84th minute of the match at the Morumbi stadium without coming into contact with another player. He went into cardiac arrest and required resuscitation as he collapsed.

He was taken off the pitch in an ambulance before being treated at the intensive care unit of the Albert Einstein Hospital.

– With Reuters inputs

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