Togo striker wins FIFA 'Fair Play' gong for life-saving act

A Togolese striker Francis Kone who was awarded by FIFA for saving the life of an opposing goalie has dedicated his prize to his mother.

“I love my mother so much and this trophy belongs to her, she is the greatest gift I have been given in all my life,” Kone said about his mother Akoudji in an interview with BBC Sport.

Kone, 26, was the only African to win a trophy at the FIFA ‘best’ ceremony held in London on October 23. He was handed the Fair Play award for saving the life of a goalie who got injured after a collision.

Kone gained hero status in February this year when he prevented goalkeeper Martin Berkovec of Bohemians from swallowing his tongue after an incident in the Czech league. The Togolese international is a forward for Slovacko.

The striker put his fingers into Berkovec’s mouth in order to prevent him from swallowing his tongue, before the stopper was stretchered off and taken to hospital. He later thanked Kone for his timely intervention.

Kone disclosed in an interview after the incident that it was not the first time he has had to act quickly to help a fellow player in need.

“It has been four times. Once in Thailand and twice in Africa,” the Ivorian-born player who qualifies to play for Togo via family ties stressed.