An Afghanistan-born coach, identified simply as Ashgar, has died at a youth training camp run by Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich in Riesa, Saxony, Germany.
According to German media reports, Ashgar collapsed on the pitch of the Feralpi Arena during the lunch break on Monday. Despite prompt intervention by emergency services, he later passed away in the hospital.
A total of 119 boys and girls from Riesa and nearby areas had been looking forward to the five-day training program with Bayern coaches.
“During the lunch break, Ashgar collapsed on the pitch. In the afternoon, we received the heartbreaking news that he had lost his life in the hospital,” BSG Stahl Riesa, which partners with Bayern Munich to organize the camps, announced on its website.
Out of respect for the deceased and his family, Bayern Munich ended the camp early.
In a statement, Bayern Munich confirmed the tragic incident, writing in an email to parents: “We are all dismayed and shocked by the tragic incident during our FC Bayern Campus training session in Riesa. There are no words for such a situation. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the family, relatives, and friends.”
The club also arranged psychological support for the children, parents, and coaches affected by the incident.
Ashgar had been coaching an under-13 youth team in Austria. His home club, TSV Hartberg, paid tribute on Instagram: “With his always friendly, helpful, and professional manner, he was very popular with all players, parents, colleagues, and officials. His sudden death leaves a deep void in our club.”
