Baghdad, Iraq, June 22, 2020: Iraqi football legend Ahmed Radhi died on Sunday from complications linked to COVID-19, just hours before he was to be flown for treatment in Jordan. He was 56.
Radhi scored what remains Iraq’s only goal in the World Cup finals tournament - in 1986 against Belgium in Mexico.
He had been hospitalised last week in Baghdad after testing positive for coronavirus but had checked out on Thursday, June 18, after his condition improved. But he relapsed a few hours later and was readmitted but passed away early on Sunday, June 21.
Iraq’s new sports minister Adnan Darjal, himself a former football star, said: “With great sadness and sorrow we mourn our lifelong companion, our fans’ ardent star, the unrivalled athlete and son of Iraq, Ahmed Radhi”.
HRH Prince Ali bin Hussein, president of the West Asian Football Federation and president of the Jordan Football Association, mourned the death of Radhi saying “football has lost a legend that we are proud of”. In a tweet Prince Ali added: “Rest in peace Ahmed Radhi”.
Radhi, a striker, led Iraq to victory in the Gulf Cups of 1984 and 1988. He was voted Asian Footballer of the Year in 1988. He scored 62 goals in 121 internationals.
Source: Arab News