Brazil legend Pele has been admitted to hospital in his homeland after collapsing during the early hours of Thursday morning.

Pele had been scheduled to be in England this weekend to be honoured at the Football Writers' Association Tribute Night in London, but the 77-year-old will now remain in Brazil.

The former forward, who is widely recognised as the greatest player of all time, will now be monitored over the coming days with doctors suspecting severe exhaustion.

An FWA statement read: "In the early hours of Thursday morning, Pele collapsed and was taken to hospital in Brazil where he has undergone a series of tests which appear to point to severe exhaustion. He remains on fluids while doctors monitor his recovery.

"Thankfully, there is no suggestion of anything more serious than exhaustion and everybody at the Football Writers' Association wishes Pele a swift and full recovery."

The FWA has provided an open invitation to Pele to attend an event at a later date after he insisted that the event go ahead as planned.