Football manager collapses on touchline and rushed to hospital as match abandoned

Ed Griffiths
Wed, 01 Apr 2026 07:33:24 +0000

Turkey Under-21 head coach Egemen Korkmaz was rushed to hospital on Tuesday after collapsing during his side's European Championship qualifying fixture against Croatia in Osijek.

The 43-year-old lost consciousness following an animated reaction to a red card decision at the Opus Arena.

The match was subsequently called off.

Players and coaching staff looked on with visible concern as medical personnel attended to Korkmaz on the touchline before an ambulance transported him from the venue.

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The Turkish Football Federation has since confirmed that Korkmaz regained consciousness and is undergoing further medical assessment.

The incident unfolded approximately 34 minutes into the contest when Turkey's Demir Ege Tiknaz received his marching orders after collecting a second caution.

Korkmaz reacted furiously to the referee's decision, visibly expressing his displeasure before dramatically removing his coat in frustration.

Moments later, the former centre-back slipped and struck his head on the ground, prompting immediate alarm among those present.

Television cameras inside the stadium did not capture the fall itself, though footage showed the aftermath as an ambulance arrived at the stricken manager.

His players and backroom staff watched anxiously as he received emergency treatment at the side of the pitch.

The Turkish Football Federation released a statement confirming the circumstances of the incident.

They said: "Our U21 National Team Head Coach, Egemen Korkmaz, lost consciousness after slipping and hitting his head on the ground in the 35th minute of today's Uefa U21 European Championship group qualifying match against Croatia at the Opus Arena in Osijek."

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The federation added: "Korkmaz, who suffered swelling on his head due to the fall, received initial treatment from our medical team on the sidelines."

"He is conscious and has been taken to the hospital by ambulance for further examination. We wish him a speedy recovery."

Both of Korkmaz's former clubs moved swiftly to offer their support following the distressing scenes.

Fenerbahce said: "We regretfully learned that Egemen Korkmaz, the Head Coach of our U21 National Team, fell ill during the match and was taken to the hospital.

They added: "We extend our get-well wishes to Egemen Korkmaz and hope for his swift recovery."

Besiktas echoed those sentiments, expressing their sorrow at the news and wishing him a speedy return to full health.

During his playing days, Korkmaz claimed the Turkish Super Lig, Turkish Cup and Turkish Super Cup whilst at Fenerbahce, where he featured alongside Dirk Kuyt.

The defender also represented Besiktas and earned nine international caps for Turkey.