Reports by many online news platforms and papers that Liverpool star Naby Keita’s cousin died in a bus crash have been disputed by his management team.
The reports on Almamy Keita’s death were stirred by the Professional Football League of Guinea who had initially released a statement claiming he was one of nine footballers who tragically passed away in a horror crash.
The tragic stars all played for Guinean second division side Etoile de Guinea, which is owned by former Monaco ace Pascal Feindouno.
The accident happened just outside the city of Mamou, around 150 miles east of the capital Conakry, where the team are based.
They were on their way to play rivals Karifamoryah FC in the city of Kankan in what was meant to be their opening fixture of the season.
It is believed their minibus was speeding when it crashed into a tree.
Liverpool star Keita had taken to Instagram following the news to pay tribute by writing: “I am shocked, sad and heartbroken at this terrible news.
“I send my sincere condolences to all families of the victims, as well as the whole sporting family of Guinea.
“Rest in perfect peace guys.”
However, it has been determined that Almamy was not one of those killed.
Agency Fella Sport Management told the Liverpool Echo: “We are happy to announce that Almamy Keita is alive and currently hospitalised.
“He is stable at the moment. No major injury, maybe some head injury but waiting for scan to confirm.”
Speaking on the tragic incident, the minister of security in the regional capital of central Guinea said “The death toll is eight dead and 19 injured, including 17 seriously.
“The bodies and the wounded are currently at the Mamou regional hospital.”
It is believed that 27 people were on board when the driver “unfortunately skidded while speeding to impact with a tree trunk”.
A statement from the Guinean FA confirmed: “The identification process of the bodies ended in Ignace Deen Hospital, the families of the victims can begin their mourning.”
However, this is the second fatal road accident involving a Guinean football team this year.
On January 30, three people died when the team bus of top-flight side Wakriya AC crashed into a stationary truck.