Probe launched into death of footballer Patrick Ekeng

The 26-year-old Ekeng fell to the ground seven minutes after going on as a substitute in a match between Dinamo and Viitorul Constanta on Friday.

Dynamo led 3-2 in the match when Ekeng collapsed in the 69th minute. Local media said he had a heart attack.

Doctors tried to resuscitate Ekeng for an hour at Floreasca Emergency Hospital, where dozens of fans gathered outside.

The match resumed after the incident and finished 3-3.

Fans and some officials have criticized what they claimed were delays in treating Ekeng on the pitch and in taking him by ambulance to the nearby hospital.

Players and staff were seen crying as events unfolded. Some went with him to the hospital.

"At moments like this, words seem insufficient," FIFA President Gianni Infantino said Saturday. "Messages I've read online from teammates, his club in Romania, and former teams, show just how highly Patrick was regarded. I would like to express my sincere condolences to his family and friends, and particularly to the staff, players and fans of Dinamo Bucharest, and the Cameroon national team."

Issa Hayatou, president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), said "it is extremely difficult to find words to understand such a brutal tragedy."

Ekeng also played for Spanish club Cordoba CF, Swiss club Lausanne, and French club Le Mans. He moved to Dinamo in 2015.

Romania's football federation said Saturday the final of the Romanian Cup will be put back a week to May 17 due to Ekeng's death. Dinamo plays CFR Cluj in the final.

(AP)