The family of former Colorado Rapids head coach, Fernando Clavijo, have revealed that the 58-year-old is battling mutliple myeloma - a form of cancer which affects the body's bone marrow.

Fernando, who coached the Rapids from December 2004 until August 2008, is currently the Technical Director of FC Dallas. The Uruguay-born ex-US international has been receiving treatment for the past few months, but his plight has only just been made public.

His time with the Rapids saw him take charge of 113 regular season games, of which the team had a 39-49-25 record. He succeeded Tim Hankinson and was replaced toward the end of the 2008 season by Gary Smith.

Fernando's friends at the Colorado Rapids wish him all the very best. You will be in our thoughts as you continue your fight.