Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF) president Luis Chiriboga Acosta has led the tributes to former Birmingham City striker Christian Benitez, who passed away this morning.
The 27-year-old Benitez, nicknamed 'Chucho', suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest just a day after making his debut for Qatari club Al Jaish.
Acosta released a statement saying that it was a loss for the whole of Ecuador, as well as revealing that the main pitch at the national team's training ground would be renamed in Benitez's honour.
"This morning we woke feeling profound pain, a pain that all Ecuadorians share, after losing an extraordinary human being, a son, friend, husband and player," read Acosta's statement on the official FEF website.
The FEF also released its own statement regarding Benitez's death, passing its condolences on to the striker's family.
"The FEF regrets to inform you of the death of Christian Benitez, the striker of Qatar club Al Jaish and the Ecuador national team," read a statement.
"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 won 58 caps for Ecuador between 2005 and 2013, scoring 24 goals in the process.
Barney Corkhill
