The Haitian Football Federation is saddened by the passing of footballer Eric Théodore Joseph, alias "Ti Éric" of the Football Inter Club Association (FICA).

Former FICA and National Team (France 98 World Cup Qualifiers) central defender Eric Théodore Joseph died Saturday, July 27, in the morning at Justinien Hospital in Cap-Haïtien where he had been hospitalized for a little over a week.

"With this death, FICA loses one of the emblematic figures of its golden period in the National First Division Championship. Associated with Antoine Saintelus, alias 'Toklo' in the early 90s, they undoubtedly formed the most feared central hinge of all Haitian attackers playing in Haiti.

Winner of four titles, 'Ti Eric' was nicknamed by his teammates and admirers 'the charming libero' because of his outstanding technique and his clairvoyance.

The Haitian Football Federation presents its sincere condolences to his family, its deep sympathies to the Football Inter Club Association, to the football family in general and to all those affected by this brutal disappearance.

May his soul rest in peace."

IH/ iciHaiti