The incident resulted in over 12 deaths and more than a hundred injuries, casting a dark shadow over the final phase of the Salvadoran League.
Gianni Infantino expressed his condolences to the victims and their families through his Instagram Stories
In the wake of the tragic stampede that occurred at Cuscatlan stadium in San Salvador during a match between Alianza and FAS, the president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, expressed his condolences to the victims and their families through his Instagram Stories. The Salvadoran Football Federation also shared the message on their Twitter account, amplifying the sentiment of mourning. The incident resulted in over 12 deaths and more than a hundred injuries, casting a dark shadow over the final phase of the Salvadoran League. FIFA, in solidarity with the global football community, conveyed their deepest sympathies to the affected families and the people of El Salvador. They extended their support to CONCACAF, the Salvadoran Football Federation, and the First Division of El Salvador during this difficult time.
CONCACAF issued a brief statement
The football authorities in the region, including CONCACAF and later Uncaf, reacted with shock and sorrow. CONCACAF issued a brief statement expressing their regret over the events and emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety of participants and fans at football matches. They pledged their full support in investigating the incident and implementing measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Uncaf, the governing body for Central American soccer, acknowledged that the incident took place in one of its affiliated leagues and vowed to provide direct assistance in enhancing security at Central American stadiums. They expressed their dismay and sadness over the tragic events and extended their prayers and support to the affected families and friends. Uncaf emphasized the paramount importance of ensuring the safety of all spectators and committed to collaborating with relevant entities to prevent any future accidents.
The National Sports Institute of El Salvador made the decision to suspend financial support to the First Division
Internally, the Association of the First Division of Professional Soccer in El Salvador expressed its commitment to cooperate with the authorities in investigating the incident. They offered their condolences to the victims and their families and called for empathy, solidarity, and collective efforts to prevent such incidents from recurring, which tarnish the image of football in the country. As a representative of the Salvadoran government, the National Sports Institute of El Salvador (INDES) made the decision to suspend financial support to the First Division, which had been its main sponsor. This decision dealt a significant blow to professional club-level soccer in the country. INDES announced an urgent meeting to discuss the situation and implement immediate measures.
They terminated the sports cooperation agreement with the First Division, stating the need for the FESFUT Regularization Committee to fulfill its mission, which was assigned by FIFA nine months ago. INDES demanded updated statutes, new regulations in accordance with the law, and open dialogue with public institutions to prevent such incidents in the future.
The tragic events in San Salvador have prompted a collective call for action and a commitment to enhancing safety measures in football stadiums. The football authorities at various levels have expressed their condolences, offered support, and pledged to work together to prevent similar incidents. As investigations unfold and measures are developed, the hope is to ensure that football continues to be a spectacle of unity and joy, free from the spectre of tragedy.