RIO DE JANEIRO: Bruno Souza, a Brazilian star goalkeeper suspected of having his ex-girlfriend killed, was on Friday formally charged with her murder, officials said.

The footballer, who played for Rio de Janeiro`s Flamengo team, was also charged with kidnapping, hiding a body, forming a criminal gang and corrupting minors, police in the state of Minas Gerais told a media conference.

Even though the body of the alleged victim, 25-year-old Eliza Samudio, has not been found, police wrapping up an initial phase of their probe on Thursday determined that Souza masterminded her death.

"Forensic police will prove that Eliza is dead," the officer in charge of the investigation, Edson Moreira, said. He added that inquiries were continuing to bolster evidence and attempt to find the body.

Seven other people, including an ex-policeman suspected of carrying out the premeditated murder on Souza`s orders, have also been charged. Souza`s wife was among them.

Samudio disappeared last month after being taken to Souza`s second residence near the southern city of Belo Horizonte.

The woman, who had a four-month-old baby she claimed was fathered by Souza, was believed to have been demanding child support. The baby was found in the care of Souza`s wife.

Souza was suspended from Flamengo -- Brazil`s most popular club, which he once captained -- when the allegations against him first surfaced.

Photos of the goalkeeper published on Friday showed him with a shaved head. Reports said he had burned his hair to hinder a DNA examination.

BDST:1547HRS, July 31, 2010