RIO DE JANEIRO, December 30. /TASS/. Brazilian football legend Pele died of multiple organ failure on Thursday, the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein in Sao Paolo said in its official bulletin, obtained by TASS.

"The Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein confirms with regret the news of Pele’s death," the hospital said, adding that the legendary footballer "was pronounced dead at 15:27 local time [21:27 Moscow time] on December 29."

The death occurred "as a result of multiple organ failure due to progressing colon cancer associated with [the patient’s] previous clinical condition."

The hospital’s press service also expressed its condolences to Pele’s family and "all those who mourn the loss of our beloved King of Football."

In September 2021, Pele underwent surgery to remove a tumor from his colon, but was admitted to the hospital again in November 2022. On December 22, doctors said his cancer was progressing and he required medical assistance in connection with renal and cardiac dysfunction.