FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter has written to the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) to express his sadness upon learning of the tragic death of Albert Ebosse on Saturday 23 August. The 24-year-old footballer was struck by a stone after his team had lost a home match to USM Alger at the Stade 1er Novembre in Tizi Ouzou.

Ebosse began his career at Coton Sport, representing the club between 2008 and 2010 before subsequent year-long spells at Unisport Bafang and Douala AC, after which he played for Malaysian side Perak FA from 2012 to 2013. From there, he signed for JS Kabylie, helping his team reach the 2014 Algerian Cup final and finish runners-up in the league, with his 17 goals putting him top of the championship scoring charts.

"It was with consternation and great sadness that I learnt of the sudden death of Jeunesse Sportive de Kabylie (JSK)'s Cameroonian forward Albert Ebosse," said Mr Blatter in a letter addressed to FAF President Mohamed Raouraoua. "It is intolerable that a spectator caused the death of a player. Violence, like racism, has no place in football. More than ever, FIFA feels duty-bound to pursue every means to eradicate sport and society of these scourges. Exemplary punishments must be applied. 

"I would be most grateful if you would pass on the deep sympathy and support of the entire international football family to the family and loved ones of Albert Ebosse, as well as to his club JS Kabylie, during this very cruel period," added the FIFA President.