Advertisement

World Cup rocked by awful tragedy for broadcaster Nadia Nadim

andrew reid
·3-min read
Nadia Nadim was forced to abandon her role on ITV's broadcast of the FIFA World Cup after learning of her mother's tragic death. Pic: Instagram
Nadia Nadim was forced to abandon her role on ITV's broadcast of the FIFA World Cup after learning of her mother's tragic death. Pic: Instagram

Football player and TV pundit Nadia Nadim has taken to social media to explain the tragic reason behind her sudden exit from a FIFA World Cup broadcast in Qatar. The former Manchester City women's forward was part of ITV’s coverage of the goalless draw between Denmark and Tunisia but left before the network's broadcast of the match finished.

The 34-year-old Denmark international - who currently plays for American club Racing Louisville - was absent from the panel at the final whistle, with host Mark Pougatch telling viewers that she had been forced to leave. Nadim later revealed that her mother's tragic and sudden death was the reason she was forced to leave.

'SHOCKING': Japan stuns Germany in huge World Cup boilover

'COWARDS': Socceroos fans savaged over ugly World Cup scenes

'UNFORGIVABLE': Socceroos under fire after loss at World Cup

In a heartbreaking post on social media, Nadim revealed her mother had been hit by a truck and died at the age of 57. The football star said she was trying to come to terms with the grief she was feeling.

Nadim wrote on Twitter: β€œ(On) Tuesday morning my mother was killed by a truck. She was on her way back from the gym. Words cannot describe what I’m feeling. I have lost the most important person in my life and it happened so sudden and unexpected. She was only 57.

β€œShe was a warrior who had fought for every inch of her life. She didn’t give me life once but twice, and everything I/we are is because of her.

β€œI have lost my home and I know nothing’s gonna ever feel the same. Life is unfair and I don’t understand why her and why this way. I love you and I will see you again.”

Nadia Nadim revealed that her mother had been hit by a truck and killed at the age of 57. Pic: Twitter
Nadia Nadim revealed that her mother had been hit by a truck and killed at the age of 57. Pic: Twitter

An ITV spokesman said: β€œEveryone at ITV, those working with Nadia in Qatar, and the wider company, is deeply shocked and saddened by this tragic news.

β€œWe have offered Nadia our support and our thoughts are with her and those closest to her at this incredibly difficult time.”

Nadim was born in Afghanistan but fled the war-torn country when she was 11 years old, earning 99 caps for Denmark in a career that included 200 goals and stints at European powerhouses such as Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain. She also this qualified as a doctor after five years of study.

Football world rallies behind Nadia Nadim after tragedy

News of Nadim's family tragedy has quickly made its way across the football world, with condolences and messages of support pouring in for the 34-year-old on social media.

Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.