Paul Canoville, who made history as Chelsea's first black footballer, has been hospitalised following what his foundation describes as a "serious decline in his physical health".
The 63-year-old former winger's condition has also significantly impacted his mental wellbeing.
The Chelsea icon, who played for the Blues from 1981 to 1986, has been forced to cancel several charitable commitments. These include school visits and a reception at Downing Street for Show Racism the Red Card earlier this week.
His foundation's CEO confirmed Canoville is receiving hospital care and requires "time, care, and space to recover" from his current health challenges.
Paul Canoville has been rushed to hospital with his health in 'serious decline'
PA
In a statement, the Paul Canoville Foundation's CEO said: "Paul is currently in hospital due to a serious decline in his physical health, which has also taken a significant toll on his mental well-being.
"As someone who has overcome extraordinary challenges throughout his life, Paul remains determined - but he now needs time, care, and space to recover."
The foundation has requested that well-wishers refrain from contacting Canoville directly whilst he recuperates.
Instead, supporters are encouraged to leave messages on the foundation's social media posts, which will be shared with him when he is well enough to receive them.
The foundation revealed that Canoville's absence from the Downing Street reception had been "deeply upsetting for him".
They also warned supporters that he is "very unlikely to attend the premiere of the new documentary about his life tomorrow evening (Thursday) at Regent Street Cinema -- something he had been immensely looking forward to."
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The documentary screening represents another significant engagement Canoville will miss due to his hospitalisation.
His foundation noted that these public appearances form an important part of his income, and they have requested donations to help ease the financial burden during his recovery period.
Canoville broke barriers at Chelsea after signing from Hillingdon Borough in 1981, enduring racist abuse from sections of the fanbase before winning them over.
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Paul Canoville made history as Chelsea's first black player and has contributed immensely to various charity projects
PA
He helped the Blues secure the Second Division title in 1983-84, scoring 15 goals in 103 appearances before joining Reading in 1986.
His post-football life included battles with crack cocaine addiction and two cancer diagnoses in 1996 and 2004, from which he fully recovered.
In 2015, he established the Paul Canoville Foundation to support vulnerable children and young people.
The former winger, who revealed in his 2008 autobiography that he had fathered 11 children with 10 different women, later became a Chelsea ambassador.
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