Ivorian Footballer Sylla Moustapha Tragically Collapses and Dies During Match

• Another all-too-common occurrence has tragically repeated itself on the African continent
• Ivory Coast footballer Sylla Moustapha collapsed and died during a match
• He was playing for his team Racing Club Abidjan against Sol FC when he suffered a heart attack

It was a weekend of sadness and mourning in Ivory Coast football.

During an Ivory Coast MTN Ligue 1 match between Racing Club Abidjan and Sol FC, Racing defender Moustapha Sylla collapsed after suffering what was later confirmed as a heart attack. He later succumbed to the medical emergency.

Racing Club Abidjan president Logossina Cissé as saying via MSN:

"Moustapha Sylla died Sunday night following an illness on the field during the match with Sol FC,' the president of the Ivorian club, Logossina Cissé. Sylla passed away during transport to the hospital. He had arrived in September and was only 21 years old."

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Racing Club said in a tweet:

"Our defender Sylla Moustapha died this evening after an illness on the pitch. Management sends sincere condolences to his family. Rest in peace Moustapha. Rest in peace LION."

It turns out that the match, taking place at the Robert Champroux Stadium in Abidjan, continued after Sylla was taken to hospital. Racing won it 3-1.

Siphamandla Mtolo passes away

The dark pall of death hanging over South African football continues to bring misery to the fraternity in the year 2023.

Richards Bay Football Club player, Siphamandla 'Spepe' Mtolo passed away on March 7, as was reported by Sports Brief.

According to the club, 'Spepe', as he was known, collapsed and died while at practice.

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PSL, SAFA fight over VAR

There can never be peace for too long between the South African Football Association and the Premier Soccer League, Sports Brief has reported.

The two organisations are reportedly arguing over who will be in charge of implementing the video assistant referee system in the league. It appears that what does not work in SAFA's favour is that PSL has money to burn, putting them in the position to implement VAR independently.

However, the football association is the custodian of all referees in South Africa, so there would be technicalities difficult for the PSL to overcome.