Final to go ahead despite Foe's death

Cameroon will play the Confederations Cup final against France on Sunday despite the death of midfielder Marc-Vivien Foe.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter travelled to Lyon on Friday morning to console Foe's family and the Cameroon players, who told him they would go ahead with the final in Paris.

"Their programme is continuing as scheduled today," a FIFA spokesman said from the team's training camp near St Etienne, in eastern France.

The Cameroon minister of sport was involved in the decision to play the final.

Foe, 28, collapsed during the semi-final against Colombia on Thursday, won 1-0 by Cameroon. He was just a month from celebrating a decade in the national side and played in two World Cups as well as helping his country win two African Nations Cups.

The news stunned the world of football, with many leading figures in the game paying tributes to Foe.

"FIFA and the whole family of football are shattered by this unbelievable tragedy," Blatter said.

"On their behalf, I wish to convey our sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones, to Cameroon football and his club and express all our support at this painful time."

CROWD FAVOURITE

English premier league club Manchester City, for whom Foe played last season on loan, were swamped with tributes for the midfielder who had quickly become a crowd favourite.

"Marc,

City manager Kevin Keegan, the former England boss, was too upset to speak. The club said they may retire the number 23 shirt which Foe wore last season when he scored nine goals in 38 matches.

City were hoping to sign Foe permanently although several other clubs were interested in buying him from French champions Olympique Lyon, who issued a statement on their website.

"We are left with a memory of a charming boy, the embodiment of a love of life," the statement said.

"We will keep the memories of his bursts of laughter, the music which came from his dressing room and his kindness off the field. Olympique Lyon offer their sincere condolences to his family and those close to Marc-Vivien."

Harry Redknapp, the manager who first brought Foe to England as West Ham boss, said he had hoped to sign him for his new club Portsmouth.

"You couldn't have met a nicer fella, a quieter, more gentle giant. He was a fantastic boy, as strong as an ox," Redknapp told the BBC."

Perhaps the most eloquent tribute came from French striker Thierry Henry, who pointed to the sky after scoring in his team's 3-2 win over Turkey and dedicated his goal to Foe.

In Cameroon's capital Yaounde, celebrations after the game were abruptly halted as fans learned the news. Several people collapsed and were taken to hospital and bars emptied rapidly.