The world of African football has been plunged into mourning following the tragic and sudden death of Burundian player Igiraneza Aimé Guéric. The midfielder collapsed on the pitch during a match and later died, with shocking allegations of traditional witchcraft now surrounding the incident.
The Tragic Incident on the Pitch
The fatal event occurred on Saturday, December 20, during a Burundi second division match. Guéric was playing for his club, Les Guêpiers du Lac, against LLB Amasipiri Never Give Up at the Ngaraga National Technical Centre. According to reports, the player suddenly slumped on the field during the game.
Despite receiving immediate medical attention at the scene and being rushed to a hospital, Guéric was confirmed dead on arrival. The sudden nature of his death has sent shockwaves through the Burundian football community and beyond.
Allegations of Witchcraft and a Fatal Mistake
In the absence of an official medical cause of death, disturbing accounts from fans and local media have emerged. It is alleged that Guéric's death was a result of a self-inflicted act related to traditional witchcraft, a practice locally referred to as "gris-gris."
An eyewitness account reported by Daily Sports suggests the midfielder died while attempting to perform a spiritual ritual on the pitch. The claim states that Guéric had placed a coin from an amulet under his tongue, which he then accidentally swallowed. This alleged act is said to have caused him to collapse and ultimately led to his death.
These reports note that Guéric had previously faced accusations of using witchcraft to gain an advantage in football, a claim he had denied. The use of spiritual aids, though often denied by players, remains a prevalent issue in parts of African football.
Football Federation's Response and Growing Calls for Action
The Burundi Football Federation (FFB) released a statement on the social media platform X, confirming the player's passing and offering condolences. "In these painful moments, the FFB extends its sincere condolences to the player's family, to Les Guêpiers du Lac, and to the entire Burundian football family. May his soul rest in peace," the statement read. However, the federation did not provide any clarification on the cause of death.
The tragic incident has ignited a fierce debate within Burundi. There have been widespread calls for:
- Proper investigation into the exact circumstances of Guéric's death.
- Stricter measures and education for players about the dangers of using spiritual practices.
- A full enforcement of the reported ban on "gris-gris" by the football federation to protect player welfare.
This event highlights a broader, often taboo, issue in the sport. Notably, former Nigerian international Taribo West, now a pastor, has admitted to using charms during his playing career. Furthermore, Paul Pogba's brother once accused the French star of consulting a witch doctor.
The conversation even extends to the international stage. Recently, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle accused the Democratic Republic of Congo team of using voodoo during a penalty shootout against Nigeria, claiming they shook a water bottle to make Nigerian players miss.
The death of Igiraneza Aimé Guéric is a stark reminder of the intense pressures in football and the extreme lengths to which some may go seeking success, with devastating consequences.
