Fiji player dies in swimming accident at Oceania under-17 tournament

The Oceania under-17 football championships in Samoa have been rocked by the death of a Fijian player in a swimming accident.

The Oceania Football Confederation confirmed that Shalit Muni Reddy died yesterday at Savaii.

The Fijian squad were on a team excursion and Shalit went missing while swimming.

His body was discovered a short time later but attempts to revive him failed.

The case has been referred to the Samoan police. Football authorities will help in trying to repatriate Shalit's body to his family and friends in Fiji.

OFC President David Chung described the loss as a tragedy that would be felt throughout Oceania.

Shalit made his international debut for Fiji at the tournament in Apia against New Caledonia on January 17. Two days later he scored a goal in Fiji's 5-0 win over Cook Islands.

"Everyone at the OFC is in total shock at what has happened,. No words can fully express our grief and dismay at seeing this happen, we can only pass on all our thoughts and prayers to the friends and family of Shalit Muni Reddy and hope they will get some strength from the out pouring of love and support from everyone," Chung said in a statement today.

"Shalit had been playing for Fiji with distinction, he was a prospect that undoubtedly would have had a bright future in the game."

New Zealand beat Tahiti in a penalty shootout to win the final and earn a berth at the under-17 World Cup in Chile.