Flávio Augusto da Silva, majority owner of Major League Soccer's (MLS) Orlando City, could sell the club in 2022 when he turns 50 in order to focus on philanthropic efforts, reports, www.sportspromedia.com/.

The Brazilian businessman, 47, has told Estadão, a São Paulo daily newspaper, that he intends to sell on his stake in the soccer franchise as he looks to up social investments.

However, Pro Soccer USA reports that Da Silva is unlikely to sell all shares in the team, instead taking a lesser role in the club's day-to-day operations.

"I'm not making a sale announcement. The announcement is that I will dedicate myself to philanthropy," Da Silva said in an interview with Brazilian outlet Estadão. "But I believe that the apex of a successful entrepreneur is when the market becomes interested in what he has created to the point of wanting to pay for it and fortunately I'm constantly being sought out by investors."

Adding: "I have several alternatives. I can make the full sale, quit the deal, stay on the board or sell a minority share. Nothing is discarded [or] established."

Last season Da Silva sold a minority stake in the team to investor Albert Friedberg in a deal worth a reported US$42.3 million, valuing Orlando City at US$490.53 million, but the Brazilian retains a 79 per cent ownership stake in the club.

Da Silva's valuation of the club includes season tickets, corporate sponsorships, and factors in ownership of Orlando City Stadium, which is reportedly worth US$180 million.

Last season, Forbes valued Orlando as the fifth most valuable franchise in MLS at US$272 million.