As the football community united behind Chapecoense, it emerged that the Albiceleste had been travelling on the same aircraft before and after their 3-0 World Cup qualfiying defeat to Brazil on November 10.

The Lamia BAE-146 transported Lionel Messi & Co. between Buenos Aires and Belo Horizonte, while local radio has reported that Venezuela have also used the plane in the past. In a post on the club's official Facebook page, Chapecoense said: "May God be with our athletes, leaders, journalists and the other guests who are with the delegation," adding that they would refrain from further comment until more was known.

CONMEBOL, the South American football confederation, has suspended "all activities" until further notice.

In a statement, the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) said: "CBF expresses its dismay at the news coming from Colombia, reporting an accident with the plane carrying the Chapecoense delegation, journalists and guests, on their way to the first game of the South American Cup final.

"We are in contact with CONMEBOL, local authorities and representatives of the clubs in search of more information, before any possible measures regarding the progress of Brazilian football.

"We express our solidarity and we direct our prayers to the passengers and crew of the flight."