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Qatar club football was in shock yesterday following the death of Ecuador striker Christian Benitez who died after suffering a cardiorespiratory arrest just three weeks after signing for Qatar Stars League outfit El Jaish.
Benitez was admitted to hospital with severe stomach pain hours after making his debut against Qatar Sports Club in the Sheikh Jassim Cup but died shortly afterwards. He was 27 and is survived by his wife Liseth and four-year-old twin children.
Benitez joined El Jaish on July 6 from Ecuadorian side Club America in a deal worth almost $15mn. He has had previous spells with South American teams El Nacional, Santos
Laguna and England’s Birmingham.
Benitez, who played 58 times for Ecuador, was the son of Ermen Benitez, one of his country’s all-time leading goal-scorers.
El Jaish said they were struggling to cope with the loss of a talented player so soon after his arrival in Qatar.
“The club would like to offer its sincere condolences to the family of the player. Benitez had recently joined the club from Club America for three seasons. The player participated for the first time with the team during Sunday’s match against Qatar Sports Club in the Sheikh Jassim Cup without complaining of any health problems.
“His sudden departure is a big shock for each member of the technical and administrative staff. He was a player that over the short period he was here was regarded for his high moral character.”
An Ecuador Football Federation (FEF) statement read: “The FEF regrets to inform you of the death of Christian Benitez, the striker of Qatar club El Jaish and the Ecuador national team.
“Benitez, who was with his new club in Qatar, had a severe stomach pain, which was why he was rushed to a hospital, where after a few hours he suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest, which ended his life.
“The Ecuadorian Football Federation extends its heartfelt sympathy to the family – parents, wife, children – and friends of our striker Christian Benitez. May he rest in peace.”
Benitez was a regular for his country and made the Ecuador squad for the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany.
Tributes were quick to arrive with the Manchester United winger and Ecuador team-mate Antonio Valencia tweeting a picture of the pair together.
The Sunderland midfielder Craig Gardner, who played with Benitez at Birmingham, said on the social networking site: “Can’t believe Christian Benitez aka Chucho has died. Had the pleasure to play with him; he was a top bloke. My thoughts go out to his family.”
A tweet from Club America read: “You left as a champion, you will always be in our hearts. Rest in Peace Christian Benitez.”
A Birmingham statement read: “Birmingham City Football Club is saddened to learn of the passing of former striker Christian ‘Chucho’ Benitez. The thoughts of all associated with the football club are with Chucho’s family and friends at this very sad time.
“Chucho’s passing will now be marked at St Andrew’s ahead of Saturday’s fixture against Watford.
“The Ecuador international was an immensely-popular character during his time at the football club. During a season-long loan from Mexican club Santos Laguna in 2009-10, Chucho made 36 appearances scoring four goals.”