March 9 – Ronaldinho’s Paraguayan nightmare is not at an end yet. On Sunday, the local prosecutor said that the former player will remain in jail as the investigation widens to investigate potential other crimes.
Prosecutor Osmar Legal didn’t clarify what the crimes were, but told Brazilian news site Globoesporte “there are indications that other crimes were committed” by Ronaldinho and his brother and business manager, Roberto Assis. The pair have been deemed a flight risk as Brazil doesn’t extradite citizens. In Paraguay, authorities have six months to complete their investigations.
The former Brazil and Barcelona star Ronaldinho had been detained by police in Paraguay for allegedly using a false passport to enter the country. Last week, Ronaldinho and his brother were questioned by police at their hotel, the Resort Yacht & Golf Club Paraguayo. Officials discovered passports with the names of Ronaldinho and his brother but with the Paraguayan nationality.
Brazilians don’t need a passport to enter Paraguay with other forms of identification being sufficient. Last year, the player reportedly had his Brazilian and Spanish passports confiscated over unpaid taxes.
Ronaldinho and his brother have denied any wrongdoing regarding the Paraguayan passports and say that they have been tricked by Brazilian businessman Wilmondes Sousa Lira. Ronaldinho had travelled to Paraguay to engage in charity work and promote his new book.
Despite having his Brazilian passport confiscated, Ronaldinho was still named as one of Brazil’s new ambassadors for tourism in September.
The ordeal is a steep fall for Ronaldinho. During his playing days, the Brazilian won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002 in Japan and South Korea. At FC Barcelona, he triumphed twice in La Liga and helped the club to win the Champions League in 2006.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at oc.ll1714032753abtoo1714032753fdlro1714032753wedis1714032753ni@of1714032753ni1714032753m