FIFA President grieves over tragic stampede in El Salvador

"I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the tragic incident in El Salvador," FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement. Authorities said initial reports showed a large crowd of fans tried to enter the Cuscatlan Stadium in the Central American country's capital San Salvador to watch the match between Alianza and FAS on May 20.

Tragedy

AFP

The stampede killed 12 people

The match was halted as emergency workers evacuated people from the stadium, where hundreds of police and soldiers gathered as ambulance sirens blared. Carlos Fuentes, spokesman for the emergency services group Comandos de Salvamento, said they treated more than 500 people after the stampede.

He said about 100 people were taken to hospitals with serious injuries, some with signs of asphyxiation. The stampede is believed to have started when a gate collapsed, causing people to crush each other, Carlos Fuentes said. Police said at least two of the injured were in critical condition.

Hundreds of fans injured in stampede

"Together with FIFA and the global football community, all our thoughts and prayers are with those affected, as well as with the people of El Salvador, CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football), the Salvadoran Football Federation and Primera Division de Futbol de El Salvador, at this difficult time," the FIFA President added.

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