Atlético Tucumán midfielder Andrés Balanta dies after training collapse

Atlético Tucumán’s Colombian midfielder Andres Balanta has died after collapsing during a training session, the club confirmed on Tuesday.

The reason for the midfielder's death has not yet been reported, but local media reports said that he suffered a heart attack.

Balanta, 22, was a popular player with Atlético Tucumán in Argentina’s top flight. He lost consciousness during a training session in San Miguel de Tucumán – the team’s first after returning from their end-of-season break – and was immediately rushed to hospital. Resuscitation efforts, which went on for 40 minutes, were sadly unsuccessful, local media reported.

"Atlético Tucumán regrettably confirms the death of Colombian footballer Andrés Balanta.  With deep respect we embrace and support his family and friends at this time," the club known as ‘El Decano’ said in a statement on social media.

Balanta arrived at the Blanquiceleste, one of the province’s two most popular clubs, in July 2021 at the explicit request of coach Lucas Pusineri. He previously played for Deportivo Cali in his homeland and represented his national team at youth level and at the 2019 Under-20 World Cup in Indonesia.

"We regret to inform you about the death of Andrés Balanta. The club's supporters are deeply saddened today. Of course, we support his family, teammates and friends," the club’s press officer Ignacio Golobisky told local media outlets.

"The Colombian Football Federation regrets the death of Andrés Balanta, player of the Colombia national team in its different divisions," the Colombian Football Federation said in a statement posted on Twitter.

– TIMES/AFP