Bolton Wanderers' Fabrice Muamba lies on the pitch after collapsing. -Photo by AP

LONDON: Bolton footballer Fabrice Muamba was still in a “critical condition” in intensive care Sunday after suffering a cardiac arrest, a joint statement issued by the club and the London Chest Hospital said.

“As is normal medical practice, Fabrice remains anaesthetised in intensive care and will be for at least 24 hours,” the statement added. “His condition continues to be closely monitored by the cardiac specialists at the hospital.”

The 23-year-old Kinshasa-born player was rushed to hospital after harrowing scenes towards the end of the first half of an FA Cup quarter-final against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on Saturday, when the midfielder slumped to the turf with no player near him.

Sunday's statement confirmed Muamba had suffered a cardiac arrest but added his heart had “eventually” started working.

“He was admitted to the hospital yesterday (Saturday) evening after collapsing at White Hart Lane, where he sustained a cardiac arrest during the FA Cup Quarter Final against Tottenham Hotspur,” the statement said.

“Fabrice received prolonged resuscitation at the ground and on route to the London Chest Hospital, where his heart eventually started working.”

Bolton manager Owen Coyle added: “Fabrice's family have asked me to pass on their thanks for the many, many kind messages of support from not only Bolton fans but also fans from clubs across the country and abroad.

“All our thoughts and prayers are for Fabrice and his family at this time. The family would also like to thank the media for respecting their privacy at this time.”

Sunday's statement was issued shortly after 11am local time (1100GMT) and it concluded by saying “no further updates are planned at this time”.

Opinion

Editorial

Sustainable path?
Updated 13 Jun, 2026

Sustainable path?

The FY27 budget is the first clear signal that the government is ready to transition from stabilisation to growth.
Prioritising education
13 Jun, 2026

Prioritising education

THOUGH the improvement in the country’s literacy rate may be slight, as highlighted by the Economic Survey, it ...
Poverty’s rise
13 Jun, 2026

Poverty’s rise

AS attention turns to the government’s plans for the coming fiscal year, one set of figures deserves particular...
A difficult story
Updated 12 Jun, 2026

A difficult story

Unless productivity becomes the dominant target of economic policy, Pakistan will continue to oscillate between crises and fragile recovery.
Rough waters
12 Jun, 2026

Rough waters

AMONGST the key potential triggers for fresh conflict in South Asia is water. The Indian state is behaving in an...
Politicised football
12 Jun, 2026

Politicised football

ALMOST three-and-half years since Lionel Messi led Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory, the latest edition of...