Former India and ITI footballer commits suicide

Former national footballer A S Firoz committed suicide on today at Kechery,h Trissur district in Kerala. According to the local police the 34 year old stout defender took this drastic step at his at his residence. He is survived by his wife and two children. 

Alleged reports suggest of some family issues behind the suicide. Firoz was found in a serious condition after he attempted hanging. He was taken to hospital, however, his life could not be saved. 

ITI's AS Firoz (on the ground) foils HAL's Ishfaq Ahmed's attempt to score, as Raja Baliev Nuralan (left) watches on in the National Football League match at Bangalore on Saturday, Nov 24, 2002.

 Picture Source: The Hindu

Firoz played for India in the Pre Olympic qualifiers (U-23). He represented his state, Kerala five times in the Santosh Trophy. Also, he was a member of U-23, U-21 state teams, Kerala Football Association sources said. 

Firoz forayed into the domestic scene while playing for FC Cochin, later he turned out for ITI, Churchill Brothers, Mohun Bagan, Mohammedan Sporting. 

This what Noel Wilson, Feroze’s colleague for many years said:

Just heard about Firoz, very unfortunate! I played the first year of my professional carrier with him in FC Kochin. We were together in Churchill  Brothers, then again in Mohun Bagan club, and finally in Mohammedan Sporting. 

Noel spent half of his professional career playing with Firoz

He was a defender, a very strong and an intelligent defender. I’m unable to find any reason why he took such decision? Very sad day for me to know such thing happened to a person I was very close. I’ve spent half of my professional club playing with him. Really sad!

He was one of my closest friend, I don’t know what prompted him to do that stupid thing! Really feel sorry for his family members and his wife.

Former HAL captain, Dronacharya Awardee Xavier VijayKumar:

Can’t believe the news. I’ve played against him in several occasions during the HAL-ITI derby, especially in the Puttaiah Memorial tournament. He was a good defender.
My condolences for his family!