Tiote's agent scolds speculation

LONDON - The agent of the late Cheick Tiote on Wednesday called for the media to cease making unsubstantiated claims about the cause of the Cote d'Ivoire midfielder's death.

The 52-time capped star - a member of the Cote d'Ivoire squad that ended a 23-year drought in winning the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations - died after fainting during training with second division side Beijing Enterprises on June 5. He was 30 years of age.

His death shocked the soccer world, reverberating in England, where he played for seven years at Newcastle United before joining the Chinese club in February.

After an emotional farewell held at a funeral home in Beijing on Tuesday, agent Emanuele Palladino issued a statement to Press Association Sport calling for speculation over why Tiote died to end out of sympathy for his family's feelings.

"There is increasing speculation regarding the circumstances and reasons behind Cheick Tiote's death, with many inaccuracies being printed in the press on this subject," Palladino said.

"This has been upsetting for Cheick's family and all parties involved at what is already a difficult time.

"We appreciate Cheick was a much-loved personality. His club, Beijing Enterprises, is being co-operative at this time and when we have official information regarding his death we will give a statement on behalf of his family.

"Until then we cannot comment further, but we thank you for all your continued support and well wishes."

Tiote's body is expected to arrive in Cote d'Ivoire on Thursday and more tributes are planned.

The national team returned to Abidjan on Monday after an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying loss to Guinea and expressed condolences to the player's family.

Tiote was one of 10 children who, like many of his Cote d'Ivoire teammates, grew up in abject poverty and didn't possess a pair of boots until he was 15.

His lucrative move to China gave him the opportunity to provide his family with financial assistance.

"It was his dream to play in China and I was so delighted for him when it happened," said former England manager Steve McClaren, who coached Tiote twice - once with Dutch side Twente where they won the 2010 league title and then at Newcastle (2015-16).

"He earned money to look after his family.

"He loved playing football to look after his family. All of his relatives - uncles, aunts, grandparents - they all relied on him to look after them, and he was proud to do it."

Agence France - Presse