Brazil football legend, Pele, is in hospital after collapsing due to exhaustion, preventing him from travelling to London for an engagement this weekend, the English Football Writers Association (FWA) revealed on Friday.
The 77-year-old, a three-time World Cup winner, collapsed on Thursday according to the FWA and is being monitored in a hospital in his homeland.
The FWA was due to host a dinner in his honour.
Pele “has undergone a series of tests which appear to point to severe exhaustion”, said the FWA.
“He is on fluids while doctors monitor his recovery. Thankfully there is no suggestion of anything more serious.”
Pele helped inspire the Samba Boys to wins in the 1958, 1962 and 1970 World Cups.
He has become increasingly frail in recent years and was unable to light the Olympic flame at the opening ceremony of the 2016 Games due to ill health.