Moroccan footballer Faten Ben Amar El Azizi has died while attempting to swim to the Spanish city of Ceuta. The 20-year-old's death was confirmed last Saturday by her club, Moghreb Atletico Tetuan (MAT).
Tragedy on the border
According to the women's team, Faten drowned on July 31, becoming one of 88 deaths in the Spanish migration crisis, as reported. An estimated 60,000 people from Morocco flooded into Ceuta last Thursday, which shares a land border and sits on the northern coast of North Africa.
MAT, who compete in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima regional league, wrote that Faten's dream for a better life "was shattered before it had even begun." The club added: "She sought neither glory nor adventure, but rather a better life... on the other side of the border." Their statement added that Faten died before the group she was travelling with were able to reach their destination.
Community mourns
The president of Ceuta, Juan Jesus Vivas, spoke of "the tragedy" that had occurred on both sides of the border. Spanish newspaper El Pais claimed that not all of the deaths were a result of the stampede last Thursday when attempting to reach the Spanish side of the beach. The outlet added that some migrants disappeared en route to Ceuta, while many who arrived in the city were unable to swim.
The Moroccan Union of Professional Footballers (UMFP) paid tribute to Faten with a statement that read: "It is with deep sorrow that the Moroccan Union of Professional Footballers (UMFP) learned of the tragic passing of player Faten Ben Omar El Azizi. In this time of grief, the President of the UMFP, Mustapha El Hadaoui, along with all the members of the Union, extend their sincere condolences and express their profound sympathy to the family of the deceased, her loved ones, her teammates, Moghreb de Tanger, and the entire Moroccan football community. We share their sorrow and pray to the Almighty to receive the deceased into His immense mercy, to grant her the highest level of Paradise, and to bring patience and solace to her family. To God we belong, and to Him we shall return."
