Back to the Olympics Newsfeed

Pele Won't Attend 2016 Rio Olympics Opening Ceremony Due to Health Concerns

Related Topics: 2016 Summer Olympics, Pelé

Football legend Pele will not attend the opening ceremony of the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro on Friday as the 75-year-old is reportedly struggling with his health.

Associated Press Sports confirmed the news:

BREAKING: Brazilian soccer great Pele says ill health prevents him from going to opening ceremony of Rio Olympics.

— AP Sports (@AP_Sports) August 5, 2016

The three-time World Cup winner was one of the favourites to carry the torch into Rio's iconic Maracana Stadium and light the cauldron, but his presence became a doubt when he told reporters "business deals" might prevent him from attending, per AP.