George Baldock: Greek police say there is no evidence of criminal activity that led to death | football

Greek police say there is no evidence criminal activity caused the death of former Sheffield United defender George Baldock.

The death of the 31-year-old Greece international, who signed with Athens club Panathinaikos in the summer, was confirmed in a family statement on Wednesday. According to police, his body was found in a swimming pool at his home in Glyfada, southern Athens.

A statement from the Greek Ministry of Citizen Protection released on Thursday said: “The Attica Security Directorate has carried out a preliminary investigation. A forensic pathologist was called to the scene and examined the body, with no evidence of criminal activity.

“In addition, the police searched the house for signs of a break-in, with negative results. A special team from the Criminal Investigation Department also carried out a check in the house to rule out the possibility of a crime.”

The Football Association said there would be a period of rest before the Nations League game between England and Greece on Thursday evening at Wembley Stadium and that players from both teams would wear black armbands.

The FA confirmed that tributes would also be paid before the game to Kick It Out founder Lord Herman Ouseley, who died last week aged 79.

UEFA said there would be a minute’s silence before Greece’s home game against the Republic of Ireland on Sunday. Baldock’s family said in a statement they were “shocked by this terrible loss” and asked the media to respect their privacy.