Zambian international and Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Enock Mwepu has been forced to cut short his football career after being diagnosed with a hereditary heart condition, the club has announced.
In a statement, club chairman Tony Bloom said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure amid fears that Mwepu’s heart condition could worsen over time, putting the player at high risk of suffering a fatal cardiac arrest during a match.
“We are all absolutely devastated for Enock. He and his family have had a traumatic few weeks and while we are just thankful he has come through that period, he has seen such a promising career cut short at such a young age,” Bloom said.
The Zambian international recently fell ill while en route to Zambia where he was due to join his compatriots.
He had to be hospitalised in Mali before returning to Brighton to undergo more cardiac tests and care, which revealed the diagnosis.
JN/APA