Tributes paid to tragic Cameroon international

Tributes have been paid to Dinamo Bucharest midfielder Patrick Ekeng, who died after collapsing during a Romanian top-flight match on Friday night.

The 26-year-old fell to the ground during the second half of Dinamo's 3-3 draw with Liga 1 rivals Viitorul Constanta and was taken off the pitch in an ambulance.

A statement on Dinamo's official Facebook page said: "Dinamo tonight lost footballer Claude Patrick Ekeng Ekeng forever.

"On behalf of all of Dinamo, sincere condolences to the bereaved family. God rest his soul."

Ekeng had only been on the field for seven minutes after coming on as a 62nd-minute substitute.

Fans of the club have unveiled a huge banner outside the stadium that reads "An empty place in our hearts".

The Romanian Football Federation has postponed all matches this weekend following his death.

Local media also claim police have begun an investigation into Ekeng's death, with hospital officials claiming he did not received adequate first aid treatment at the ground, which was denied by the club's doctor.

Ekeng was placed in an ambulance less than three minutes after collapsing and Dinamo's club doctor Liviu Batineanu said he performed cardiac massage.

The Cameroonian made his international debut last year as a second-half substitute in a 1-1 draw against DR Congo in his home city of Yaounde.

A statement on the Cameroon Football Federation's official website read: "What a tragedy. We have just learned of the death of our international footballer Patrick Ekeng on the field during a league match between Dinamo Bucharest and Viitorul.

"Cameroon and the great family of Cameroonian football are in mourning. Pending an official report on this tragic incident, we have lost a son and a brother.

"The president and the executive committee of Fecafoot present their sincere condolences to his family and relatives. RIP Ekeng Ekeng, RIP indomitable lion."

In 2003 Ekeng's compatriot Marc-Vivien Foe collapsed and died while playing in a Confederations Cup match against Columbia in France.

Ekeng spent the 2014-15 season at Cordoba but was unable to prevent their relegation from the Primera Division.

The Spanish side wrote on their official Twitter account: "There are no words to express our sorrow at the death of Patrick Ekeng. We mourn your loss. We will never forget you friend. RIP."

Prior to his spell with Cordoba, he played for Canon Yaounde before heading for Europe, where he also played for Swiss outfit Lausanne and French side Le Mans.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said: "I'm incredibly sad to learn of the passing of Cameroonian Patrick Ekeng.

"At moments like this, words seem insufficient. Messages I've read online from team-mates, 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. My thoughts are with everyone at this time."