Portuguese futsal player dies on court

28-year-old Central Social Sao Joao player, Fabio Mendes died of a heart attack during a Division 2 futsal match in Portugal.

The incident occurred in the match against Portimonense with only 13 minutes of game time left to play. Despite medics from both clubs trying hard to resuscitate Mendes, the player was declared dead upon arrival at a hospital in the city of Portimao.

Following the tragedy, Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) President, Fernando Gomes, said in a statement: “It is with enormous sadness that I received the news of the death of this young man during an FPF futsal match.

“In this moment of deep pain and sadness, I offer in my name and in the name of the FPF my deepest condolences to Central Social Sao Joao, the family in mourning, and all the colleagues and friends who knew Fabio Mendes well.”