The board of directors of the Panamanian Soccer League (LPF) decided to dedicate the Apertura 2024 tournament to the memory of the former Panama national team, Luis Tejada, who died this Sunday while playing a soccer game in a veterans league.
“(We have resolved) Dedicate the Apertura LPF Tigo tournament to the memory of Luis Tejada, recognizing his exceptional contribution to the sport and to the hearts of Panamanians,” indicates the document issued by the Panamanian league.
In addition to dedicating the Apertura 2024 tournament to him, “the Top Scorer award of each tournament will be named in honor of Luis Tejada,” as a testament to his outstanding skill and dedication to scoring.
The third date of the championship of the LPF, Women’s Soccer League (LFF), PROM League and Youth League tournaments, the note highlights, will begin with “a minute of silence in respect for Luis Tejada” and in the 18th minute, the Tejada’s number number in the Panamanian team, a minute of applause will be held “in recognition of his legacy and the love he gave us with each play,” the statement states.
“We remember Luis Tejada as an exceptional human being who touched our lives with his kindness and warmth,” the statement clarifies.
Finally, the resolution highlights that the match between Tauro and Sporting San Miguelito, to be held on this third day, special tributes will be made, “highlighting the unique contribution of Luis Tejada to Panamanian soccer.”
‘Matador’ Tejada began his career in local soccer in Tauro, a team from the town of Pedregal, east of the Panamanian capital, but he also shone in league clubs such as Plaza Amador, Herrera, CD Universitario and Potros del Este.
Tejada died last Sunday at the age of 41 due to possible cardiac arrest while playing in a veterans league.
The Panama Soccer Federation, clubs from the national league and others from Latin America, soccer associations and renowned journalists have expressed their condolences and remembered the best moments of the Panamanian player.