Undetected 'heart ailment' caused Christian Benitez's death

Ecuador football officials have reportedly confirmed that an undetected heart problem resulted in the death of former Birmingham City striker Christian Benitez.

The forward passed away on Monday at the age of 27 following his transfer from Club America to El Jaish.

A second autopsy has revealed that an arterial heart ailment, which could not be detected while Benitez was alive, triggered the cardiac arrest suffered by the forward, according to PA.

Birmingham will hold a minute's silence ahead of their home match against Watford on Saturday as a tribute to Benitez.