GOTTINGEN, June 8: The Mexican Football Federation on Thursday said keeper Oswaldo Sanchez would fly back home briefly following the heart attack death of his father Felipe.

Felipe Sanchez, 55, had been hours away from flying over to Germany to watch his son play in the World Cup finals but collapsed and died.

In a statement, the Federation said Oswaldo Sanchez would fly home and return to Germany on Friday in time for Sunday's Group ‘D’ opening match against Iran in Nuremberg.

“That's what he has decided. He will go back to Mexico but come back on Friday in time to play in the first game,” said Federation chairman Alberto de la Torre.

The Federation said in a statement that the whole squad and backroom staff were shocked at the news.

“It's a difficult time for all – especially for Oswaldo and his family. FIFA has been informed,” said Guillermo Cantu, director of team selection.

“The Federation is making a big effort to ensure Oswaldo can be with his family as quickly as possible and attend his father's funeral,” Cantu added.

Guadalajara's Sanchez was in the 1998 and 2002 squads but as reserve to the now retired Jorge Campos and Oscar Perez.

He is now the number one choice between the sticks ahead of Jose Corona and Guillermo Ochoa.—AFP