Soccer Fan Dies After Falling from Second Deck During Nations League Final

Published: June 9, 2025

A soccer fan died after falling from the second deck onto a media area during the UEFA Nations League final between Portugal and Spain on Sunday, June 8.

The incident occurred during the first half of extra time at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, according to the Associated Press, ESPN, and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Doctors at the scene attempted to provide life-saving measures on the man as police cordoned off the area, according to the AP.

In a statement on Monday morning, the UEFA confirmed the fan died, according to the outlets.

"There was a medical emergency at the Munich arena, and despite the best efforts of the medical team, the person sadly passed away at 00:06 (CET). Our thoughts are with their loved ones at this difficult time," the European soccer organization said.

German police were scanning the area after the incident and questioning nearby fans, the AP and ABC reported. PEOPLE has reached out to the UEFA for an update on what led to the incident.

The AP reported that fans were growing rowdier at the time of the fall, as Portugal and Spain remained tied in extra time of the championship match and later required penalty kicks to decide the match.

Tobias Schenk, a Munich police spokesman, confirmed to the AP that "a man fell from the middle tier to the lower tier, onto a staircase near the press area, and unfortunately died at the scene."

"As always in such cases, the Munich police have taken over the investigation," Schenk added. "Criminal police are on site, witnesses are being interviewed and videos reviewed. At this time, there's no evidence of anything but a tragic accident."

Portugal ultimately won the match 5-3 on penalties, but some players on the field said the fan's fall cast a shadow over the result.

"I would like to express my condolences to the fan that died," Portugal defender Nuno Mendes said after the game, according to ESPN. "It casts a pall on our victory today."

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente shared his condolences before taking questions at a post-match press conference.

"I want to express my condolences to the family of a fan who has died," De la Fuente said, according to ESPN. "That has made us realize what is important in life."

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