FIFA Mourns As COVID-19 Killed Two Former Footballers After Appearing On TV Series
Iran is mourning the death of two former national team football players who died from COVID-19 within a week of each other in Tehran.
Mehrdad Minavand, 45, and Ali Ansarian, 43, played professionally in Iran’s Pro League for Persepolis Football Club and were cherished by fans across the country.
The former teammates are believed to have contracted the coronavirus when they co-hosted an online television special on the derby match between Persepolis FC and Esteghlal FC, according to Iran’s state news agency, IRNA.
“As you may have heard in the news in recent days, Mehrdad Minavand has fallen ill with coronavirus,” a spokesperson explained in a video posted to the former footballer’s official Instagram page on January 21.
“He is in critical condition and his doctor tells us that its [sic] because he came to the hospital too late,” the spokesperson said.
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Health officials at Laleh Hospital in Tehran announced the footballer’s death the night of January 27, about a week after he was first admitted to the hospital.
“Minavand’s condition was promising until 6pm, his oxygen level was over 90% and his kidney function and blood pressure were stable, but then suddenly his condition worsened,” Laleh Hospital ICU Director Dr. Amir Hossein Lotfi told Iran’s semi-official news agency ISNA.
Minavand had just announced his marriage to Shabnam Kamangar in an Instagram post in November.
“I have been waiting and planning for this day for nearly three years. I thank god for making this day happen,” Minavand wrote.
Reflecting on his recent nuptials during the online special, Minavand told Ansarian, “I truly want two children and I hope one of them is a girl.”
Minavand helped lead Iran to a 2-1 victory over the US in a politically charged 1998 World Cup match played in Lyon, France.
“I would like to express my sincere condolences over the passing of the former Iranian national football player Mehrdad Minavand,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement.
“Words seem inadequate to describe this sorrow. Minavand’s legacy and achievement, especially his personality, popularity, and humanity, will never be forgotten.”
