{
  "id": 17808900,
  "title": "Ex-Premier League boss Pepe Mel suffers stroke, remains in ICU",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/02/ex-premier-league-boss-pepe-mel-suffers-stroke-remains-in-icu",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-02T14:48:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/ex-premier-league-boss-pepe-mel-suffers-stroke-remains-in-icu/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Pepe Mel, the former Premier League manager, has recently endured a serious health scare after suffering a stroke. The 63-year-old Spanish coach is currently battling the condition in the intensive care unit (ICU) of Hospital Virgen del Rocío in Seville, Spain. Real Betis, Mel's past club, has confirmed that the emergency surgery performed on him was successful, though he remains hospitalized and awaiting further medical assessments. The news about Mel's condition was made public by sources at Real Betis on Monday, following the incident on Sunday, November 1.\n\nMel's illustrious coaching career spans across several prominent clubs, including Real Betis, West Bromwich Albion, Deportivo La Coruña, UD Las Palmas, Málaga, Almería, and Tenerife. He had made two significant stints with Real Betis, where he played a pivotal role in guiding the team to promotion to Spain's top flight on two separate occasions. During his tenure at West Bromwich Albion in the English Premier League in 2014, he managed to secure three wins in 17 matches over a four-month period.\n\nDespite his current condition, several clubs he managed in the past have come forward to express their unwavering support and well-wishes for his speedy recovery. Real Betis, where Mel first started his coaching journey, has played a crucial role in keeping his family and fans updated about his health status. UD Las Palmas and Rayo Vallecano, two other clubs he managed, have also conveyed their support and affection to Mel in the wake of his stroke.",
  "summary": "Former West Bromwich Albion manager, Pepe Mel, has undergone emergency surgery after suffering a stroke in Seville, Spain. Read More: https://punchng.com/ex-premier-league-boss-pepe-mel-suffers-stroke-remains-in-icu/",
  "key_points": [
    "Former Premier League manager Pepe Mel suffers stroke",
    "63-year-old Spanish coach in ICU at Hospital Virgen del Rocío",
    "Real Betis confirms successful emergency surgery"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}