Ecuador international striker Christian Benitez died in Qatar yesterday of heart failure at the age of 27, the Ecuadorean Football Federation (FEF) said.

Benitez, who played 58 times for Ecuador, was the son of Ermen Benitez, one of his country’s all-time leading goalscorers.

His Qatari club El Jaish, who signed Benitez only three weeks ago, had earlier reported his death on their website (www.eljaish.com).

“Benitez... felt strong stomach pains, so he was taken in an emergency to a hospital where after a few hours he suffered cardiorespiratory failure which ended his life,” the FEF said.

“The Ecuadorean Football Federation extends its deepest condolences to the relatives, parents, wife, children and friends of our goalscorer Christian Benitez.”

El Jaish said: “The club would like to offer its sincere condolences to the family of the player.

“The player participated for the first time with the team during yesterday’s match against Qatar Sports Club in the Sheikh Jassem Cup without complaining of any health problems.

“His sudden departure is a big shock for each member of the technical and administrative staff. He was a player that over the short period he was here was regarded for his high moral character.”