An appeal has been launched by several members of the footballing community for help for one of their own after a player’s young son was diagnosed with cancer.

The diagnosis came on the same day as the government’s announcement that organised sports will remain banned for the foreseeable future – a decision which resulted in this player, who is Brazilian and who plays professionally in Malta, being told that he will not be paid for the coming months.

The player’s son, whose name is Luca, also tested positive for Covid-19 on the same day as his cancer diagnosis.

Several players from various football clubs took to social media and to amongst their teammates to appeal for any financial help that can be given to the player and his family to face this battle.

Premier league player Romeu Romao, a personal friend of the player, said that if people cannot help financially, food will also be collected for the family.

Romao said that those who wish to help financially can send money on +356 99797986 on Revolut or through BOV Mobile Pay.

Other players, such as Senglea Athletic FC's Dion Fava and Pembroke Athleta FC's Mark Anthony Borg have made identical appeals for help for the player and his family.