Are there 5-fold increases in sudden death among FIFA players?
The Israeli Real-Time News Tuesday reported a 5-fold increase in sudden cardiac and unexplained deaths among FIFA players in 2021. Since December, 183 professional athletes and coaches have suddenly collapsed, with 108 dead.
How many football players die from sudden death in 2021?
According to Wikipedia, under “List of association footballers who died while playing”, in 2001-2020 there was an average of 4.2 deaths per year attributed to SCD or SUD, the vast majority being SCD. In contrast, in 2021, according to Real-Time News ‘ list, there were 21 cases of SCD/SUD among FIFA players.
How many footballers Die from sudden cardiac arrests?
The report recorded worldwide deaths attributed to Sudden cardiac arrest or other unexplained sudden death while playing (or shortly after playing) football between 2014 and 2018. There were 614 cases during the four-year period.
How many footballers Die of SCD/Sud each year?
According to Wikipedia, under " List of association footballers who died while playing ", in 2001-2020 there was an average of 4.2 deaths per year attributed to SCD or SUD, the vast majority being SCD. In contrast, in 2021, according to our list, there were 21 cases of SCD/SUD among FIFA players.
How did Stewart die?
Collapsed during a league match against Radnički after suffering a cardiac arrest, died in the hospital later that same day. Stewart collapsed while playing football the morning of the 18th in Spanish town, and despite being rushed to the hospital he died later that day.
Why did Thorpe die?
When playing as goalkeeper, Thorpe, a diabetic, collapsed into a coma from which he never recovered, attributed to the rough treatment he received on the pitch in a game against Chelsea. His death led to the rule that players were no longer able to kick the ball out of the goalkeeper's arms. 12 November 1936.
VACCINE-RELATED DEATHS?
In the Real Time News article, the writer says the majority of the 108 deaths were “heart-related” and highlights that they occurred since the global rollout of COVID-19 vaccines.
VERDICT
No evidence. Claims that 108 FIFA soccer players died in 2021 are based on a problematic list of deaths in an Israeli news article. The list does not prove a common link between the deaths of athletes and COVID-19 vaccines.
