Rio De Janeiro, Brazil (CNN) -- Police in Rio de Janeiro are searching for a high-profile soccer player accused of orchestrating the kidnapping and murder of a woman believed to have been a former lover, officials said Wednesday.
A judge in Rio de Janeiro issued an order Wednesday for the arrest of Flamengo goalkeeper Bruno Fernandes Souza and his friend, Luiz Henrique Ferreira Romao.
Both are considered suspects in the disappearance and murder of Eliza Samudio, according to court documents. Samudio was last seen with Souza as they headed for his country home in the neighboring state of Minas Gerais in June. Her body has not been found, authorities said.
Samudio was traveling with her toddler when she disappeared, officials said. She had said in the past that Souza had threatened and beat her.
TV Record, CNN's affiliate in Brazil, and CNN have confirmed that eight arrest orders have been issued in Minas Gerais for other suspects. Five people have been arrested so far, including Dayane Souza, the goalie's wife.
Bruno Souza's 17-year-old cousin has allegedly confessed to taking part in the crime, Minas Gerais police chief Edson Moreira said in a news conference. But Moreira said the young man's confession is under question.
The chief said Souza is now considered a fugitive.
Flamengo soccer officials told CNN that Souza's activities with the team have been suspended until the allegations and legal issues are resolved.
Souza's attorney, Michel Assef Filho, was not available for comment.
Flamengo -- Brazil's most popular soccer team -- has an estimated 32 million followers, the team website said. The team has served as a launching pad for the careers of several World Cup stars.
