FIFA sends condolences to Ivory Coast
FIFA president Joseph S. Blatter has sent a letter of condolence to the Ivory Coast football federation and the entire country following the death of 61 people on New Yew eve when a stampede broke out on their way from fireworks display.
“It is with great sadness that I learned of the tragedy that killed at least 61 people after a stampede occurred in a stadium in Abidjan during the night of December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2013,” the letter said.
“On behalf of FIFA and in my own name I would like to extend my deepest condolences to you and the people of Côte d’Ivoire.
“I would be grateful if you could let the families and friends of the victims and the Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara and his government know that they have the full sympathy and support of the international football family at this especially tragic time,” it added.
Most of the victims were aged between 8 and 18. A three-day period of national mourning is being observed in the West African country since Wednesday.