Ronaldinho set to be released from house arrest

Former FIFA World footballer of the year, Ronaldinho, is set to be released after four months under house arrest in Paraguay and will now anxiously wait to see if he will be prosecuted following his role in a fake passport scam. He has been under house arrest in Paraguay since early July.

Ronaldinho and his brother Roberto de Assis Moreira, who is also his manager, were jailed on March 5 for using fake passports. The two men were allowed to leave jail but remained under house arrest in Asuncion, the capital of Paraguay after £1.2 million bail was paid.

Reports suggest that while prosecutors have compiled the majority of their case, they were unable to build any further substantial evidence against the brothers. They were to be set free while prosecutors decide their next move.

The Paraguayan authorities were originally investigating the brothers over alleged money laundering. They were allegedly caught with fake Paraguay passports and arrested at the Sheraton hotel in Asuncion.

Reports suggest the brothers tried to use the fake passports as they landed in Paraguay. A passport was allegedly in Ronaldinho’s name with his correct birthplace and date of birth but claimed he was a naturalised citizen of Paraguay.

The former Barcelona star was said to be in Paraguay to promote the charity “La Fundación Angelical,” which provides medical assistance to low-income children. He was also going to present his, book Genius of Life.

Prosecutors in Brazil appear to have claimed 57 of Ronaldinho’s properties because he owes £1.5 million in tax and unpaid fines to the Brazilian state. Ronaldinho is said to have previously held both Brazilian and EU passports. Those have both been confiscated.

This is the latest controversy in Ronaldinho’s life. He is said to be in £4 million in debt. Last year it was reported he had the equivalent of £5 in his bank account.