New Zealand Futsal goalkeeper dies in Christchurch attack
Futsal Whites goalkeeper Atta Elayyan died in the terrorist attacks on the mosques of Christchurch in New Zealand in which fifty people died.
After Friday's terror attack, New Zealand Football confirmed that international futsal goalkeeper, Atta Elayyan was among the victims of the Christchurch mosque shooting on Friday.
Andrew Pragnell, NZF Executive chief, said in a statement:
"On behalf of everyone at New Zealand Football our thoughts and prayers go out to anyone who has been affected by these heinous acts of violence. My heart goes out to the futsal community. They are a very tight-knit group, and this news of Atta's death will be devastating for all involved in the game. We feel their pain and their grief."
Josh Margetts who's NZF development manager and Elayyan teammate said that a 'big hole' was left in the hearts of the Kiwi football community, as Atta was a great man and loved by everyone in the 'Futsal Whites.'
"There are no words to summarize how we all feel. There is a huge hole in our hearts when we come to an agreement with the loss of a great person and a good companion. He will be missed a lot.'
Atta Elayyan was 33 years old and represented the 'Futsal Whites' 19 times. He was praying at the Masjid Al Noor mosque next to Hagley Park when the shooting happened.