Former Brazil forward Ronaldinho is being held by police in Paraguay for allegedly using a fake passport to enter the country, authorities say.
Police searched a hotel in the capital, Asuncion, on Wednesday, where the star had been staying with his brother.
Paraguay's interior minister told ESPN Brazil that the pair had not been arrested but are under investigation.
Minister Euclides Acevedo also said they deny wrongdoing and are co-operating with the authorities.
![Photograph of a Paraguayan ID document shared by the Paraguayan authorities bearing Ronaldo's name](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/C8FE/production/_111145415_a3f03275-fe79-4452-9a6e-c113721edcf7.jpg)
In July 2019, the player reportedly had his Brazilian and Spanish passports confiscated over unpaid taxes.
"Ronaldinho will be heard at eight in the morning on Thursday at the prosecutor's office," minister Euclides Acevedo told AFP, adding that customs authorities would also be investigated.
"I respect his sporting popularity but the law must also be respected. No matter who you are, the law still applies", Mr Acevedo told local media.
The 39-year-old twice World Player Of The Year had travelled to Paraguay to promote a book and a campaign for underprivileged children.
Another man who travelled with the brothers - 45-year-old Wilmondes Sousa Lira - has also been held.
Ronaldinho was the 2004 and 2005 World Player of the Year and enjoyed the prime of his career at Spanish giants Barcelona. He won the World Cup in 2002 alongside fellow superstar forwards Ronaldo and Rivaldo.
Ronaldinho's net worth is estimated at £80-100m and he is reported to charge around £150,000 for a single promoted Instagram post.
Latest Stories
-
We have a stable national grid; outages due to localised faults – ECG
10 seconds -
Easter celebration: Ghana AIDS Commission to distribute free condoms in Kwahu
15 mins -
Zeepay secures additional $3m from Verdant Capital Hybrid Fund
22 mins -
Over 70% of power outages were due to planned maintenance works – ECG to PURC
25 mins -
Access Bank partners Horseman Shoes to boost local shoe manufacturing industry
36 mins -
Election 2024: Don’t vote for candidates making empty promises – CDD to Ghanaians
41 mins -
IGP shares Easter safety tips on Adom FM’s ‘Ofie Kwanso’
1 hour -
Ebo Whyte offers fully-funded trip as he unveils new play ‘Dubai or No Sex’
1 hour -
Ancient culture of Anlo Kingdom: Exploring “Torkor Atorlia,” the fifth landing stage’s old ways of punishment
2 hours -
Leaders from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Botswana, Cameroon and Sierra Leone to lead discussions at Africa Finance Corporation’s (AFC) 4th Country & Stakeholder Symposium
2 hours -
Network International Delivers Strong 2023 Revenue growth at 15% y/y and free cashflow growth of 16% y/y
2 hours -
President Akufo-Addo extends Easter Greetings to Ghanaians, urges safe drive
2 hours -
Government pushes for use of more local materials in housing, other infrastructure projects
3 hours -
Dr Bawumia extends Easter greetings to Christians
3 hours -
CAF Confederation Cup: ‘Ghanaians should expect victory against Stade Malien’ – Dreams FC forward Ishmael Dede
3 hours