Pele postpones Australia tour

Brazilian soccer star Pele has had to postpone appearances in Sydney and Melbourne due to ill health.

The 74-year-old had an operation to remove kidney stones in Sao Paulo this week and was said to be "recovering" on Thursday.

A spokesman said on Friday it means he will not be able to carry out his scheduled tour in Australia until 2015.

He was due to appear in Melbourne on Wednesday and Sydney on Thursday to honour veteran SBS broadcaster Les Murray's contribution to the sport over 35 years.

All tickets will be honoured and transferred to the new dates, which will be announced shortly at www.pelelive.com.au.