Moroccan footballer, 20, dies while crossing in Spanish migrant crisis | Football | Sport

Moroccan footballer Faten Ben Amar El Azizi has died while attempting to swim to the Spanish city of Ceuta. The 20-year-old’s tragic death was confirmed last Saturday by the club she played for, Moghreb Atletico Tetuan (MAT). According to the women’s team, Faten drowned on July 31 and is one of 88 deaths of the Spanish migration crisis, according to reports.

The club added: “She sought neither glory nor adventure, but rather a better life… on the other side of the border.” Their statement added that Faten died before the group she was travelling with were able to reach their destination.

The president of Cueta, Juan Jesus Vivas, spoke of “the tragedy” that had occurred on both sides of the border. Spanish newspaper El Pais claimed that not all of the deaths were a result of the stampede last Thursday when attempting to reach the Spanish side of the beach. The outlet added that some migrants disappeared en route to Cueta, while many who arrived in the city were unable to swim.

The Moroccan Union of Professional Footballers (UMFP) paid tribute to Faten with a statement that read: “It is with deep sorrow that the Moroccan Union of Professional Footballers (UMFP) learned of the tragic passing of player Faten Ben Omar El Azizi. In this time of grief, the President of the UMFP, Mustapha El Hadaoui, along with all the members of the Union, extend their sincere condolences and express their profound sympathy to the family of the deceased, her loved ones, her teammates, Moghreb de Tanger, and the entire Moroccan football community.

“We share their sorrow and pray to the Almighty to receive the deceased into His immense mercy, to grant her the highest level of Paradise, and to bring patience and solace to her family. To God we belong, and to Him we shall return.”