Firefighters have battled a major fire at Flamengo's training centre.

Local reports in Brazil indicate 10 people are feared dead and others are seriously injured at the Urubu's Nest, which also provides accomodation for some of the club's young players.

The Rio-based club tweeted a message from its official account that said simply, "Flamengo is in mourning." 

The fire broke out in the early hours of Friday morning, with fire department chief Douglas Henaut confirming it happened at the lodgings.

"The identification of the victims will be made later by the Civil Police," Henaut told TV Globo.

Former Flamengo forward Vinicius Junior, now at Real Madrid, posted about the incident on social media.

"What sad news! Pray for everyone!," Vinicius wrote on Twitter.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) also offered a message of support.

"Our solidarity and prayers for the families affected," the CBF wrote on Twitter.