Rio Olympics 2016: Pele withdraws from lighting cauldron at opening ceremony over health fears

Ill health: Pele has withdrawn from lighting the cauldron at the Olympic opening ceremony
AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth
Jamie Bullen6 August 2016

World football icon Pele will not light the Olympic cauldron at tonight’s opening ceremony in Rio de Janeiro because of ill health.

The Brazilian football superstar was poised to kick-off the Olympics at the curtain raiser in the Maracana stadium but said he was not physically able to attend.

The 75-year-old, who is widely regarded as one of the sport’s best ever players after helping Brazil lift three World Cups, walks with the help of a cane after he underwent hip surgery.

In his statement, Pele said: "Only God is more important than my health.

“In my life, I've had fractures, surgeries, pain, hospital stays, victories and defeats. And I've always respected those who admire me.”

He said the decision to withdraw, just hours before the opening ceremony, was his and apologised to fans.

He added: “As a Brazilian, I ask God to bless all who participate in this event."

The absence of Brazil’s most famous athlete has left organisers needing to fill a void to launch this summer’s Olympics.

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