Burundian Football Player Dies During Match Due to 'Winning Charm'

Player Dies While Being Transported to Hospital Despite Attempts to Revive Him

       

Burundian Football Player Dies During Match Due to 'Winning Charm'

A Burundian football player died after collapsing during a second-division match, having swallowed a coin, according to his teammates and local officials.

Witnesses told Radio Africa Public that player Igiraniza Aimé Gireke lost consciousness during the match and later died while being transported to the hospital, despite the medical staff's attempts to resuscitate him. The deceased player had previously criticized the prevalence of such practices in Burundian football, urging young players to focus on training and discipline.

The player's teammates explained that the cause of death was choking after swallowing a coin he had placed in his mouth, in connection with practices associated with the use of "amulets" and "charms" believed to bring victory. These practices are controversial and prohibited under the country's football regulations.

He pointed out that some coaches tolerate or even encourage these practices, despite them, he said, offering no real benefit compared to hard work. Journalists and sports officials have called on the Burundian Football Federation to intervene and put an end to these behaviors, arguing that they negatively impact player performance and hinder the development of the game.