Wellington Phoenix have lost the services of guest soccer player Fred, whose father died suddenly in Brazil today.
The Phoenix players will wear black armbands in Saturday's A-League match against Perth Glory here in support of the Brazilian playmaker, who has returned to his homeland to be withhis family.
Club chief executive Tony Pignata said everyone involved at the Phoenix had rallied around to help and comfort the popular player.
"Our deepest condolences and sympathies go to Fred and his family and their well-being is the club's paramount concern," Pignata said.
"Being so far away from his family in Brazil at this difficult time is obviously very distressing for Fred and we have worked hard to get him, his wife and daughter on a plane home immediately."
Saturday's match was to be the fourth out of six that Fred is contracted to play for the Wellington club.
Pignata could not say if Fred will return for either of the remaining two games later this month.
"The most important thing for us now is to help Fred in any way we can," Pignata said.
"It's far too early to say what will happen with the remainder of Fred's contract but needless to say we will leave that decision to him and respect his wishes if he decides to stay in Brazil to be with his family."
