Pelé will not light the flame at tonight's Olympics opening ceremony in Rio due to "physical frailty', a spokesman has confirmed.
The legendary Brazilian footballer, 75, has written to the organising committee saying he cannot light the Olympic cauldron at the opening ceremony.
Widely regarded as the world's all-time greatest football player, Pelé played for Brazil in four consecutive World Cups between 1958 and 1970.
He was favourite to perform the prestigious duty this evening, which has previously been carried out by other sporting superstars including Muhammad Ali and Cathy Freeman.
The sporting great has been suffering from muscle pains and had hip surgery earlier this year.
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