A plane carrying Lucas Meira, the president of a Brazilian club, Palmas, and four players of the club crashed on January 24, 2021, killing everyone on board.
A statement the club issued via the club’s verified Instagram page revealed that the plane crash happened at the end of the runway of the Tocantins Association of Aviation in Brazil when it was taking off.
Besides the club’s president, the footballers identified to be on the plane included, Lucas Praxedes, Guilherme Noe, Ranule, and Marcus Molinari. The club’s statement revealed that the pilot of the plane who also died in the plane crash was Commander Wagner.
The President of Palmas and the four players were flying to Goiania in Brazil where they had a Green Cup match against Vila Nova scheduled to take place today, January 25. Due to the accident, the match was postponed indefinitely.
A statement from Palmas, a Brazilian club which plays in the fourth division, said: “Palmas Futebol e Regatas hereby announces that at around 8:15 am on this Sunday, 24th, there was an air accident involving the president of the club, Lucas Meira, when he was taking off to Goiânia, for the match between Vila Nova x Palmas on Monday 25, valid for the Green Cup.
“The plane on which Lucas was with Commander Wagner and athletes Lucas Praxedes, Guilherme Noé, Ranule, and Marcus Molinari, took off and crashed at the end of the runway of the Tocantins Association of Aviation.
“We regret to inform you that there are no survivors. In this moment of pain and dismay, the club asks for prayers for the relatives to whom it will provide the necessary support, and emphasizes that in due time it will speak again.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal football club is on the verge of signing the second player for the 2021 January transfer window after signing Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan on a six-month loan deal. The Premier League club has reached an agreement to sign Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid on loan.
The 22-year-old midfielder who has played nine times in all competitions for Real Madrid this season has been looking for regular game time. Hence, he believes a club like Arsenal is the best place to have more playing time.
Reports claimed that Martin Odegaard would be in London before the end of Tuesday, January 26, to complete his medical at the club. He is expected to spend the remaining part of the 2020-2021 season at the Emirates Stadium.
