Ronaldinho likely to be released from custody on Aug.24

Brazil great Ronaldinho could be freed on August 24 following five months detention in Paraguay over a forged passport, judicial sources said on Monday.

The former Barcelona, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain star was detained alongside his brother Roberto de Assis Moreira on March 6, accused of entering Paraguay in possession of false passports.

They spent a month behind bars before paying a $1.6 million bail and being released to house arrest at the plush Palmaroga Hotel in the historic centre of the Paraguayan capital Asuncion.

Judge Gustavo Amarilla has set a date of August 24 to hear the case against the brothers.

Prosecutors have submitted a proposal to the judge that would see Ronaldinho, 40, pay a $90,000 fine “to repair social damage” but be allowed to return home to Brazil where he would have to appear before a judge every three months for a year.

Under terms of the plea bargain, Ronaldinho has agreed to a $90,000 fine and must report to a federal judge in Brazil every three months for two years. Assis has been ordered to pay $110,000 and will not be allowed to leave Brazil over a two-year period.

Ronaldinho denies having any knowledge the passports were fake.

His brother — who allegedly knew about the false passports — would have to pay a $110,000 fine and appear before a judge every three months for two years.

Prosecutors also asked for a two-year suspended prison sentence for Roberto de Assis Moreira, who is also Ronaldinho’s business manager.

The brothers arrived in Paraguay on March 4 without any issues, with Ronaldinho, 2005 Ballon d’Or winner, due to take part in event in support of disadvantaged children.

However, shortly after their arrival, the pair were taken into police custody when investigators raided their hotel following the discovery they had fake documents.

Ronaldinho admitted in April in his first interview since his arrest that he was desperate to go home.

“The first thing I will do is to give my mother a big kiss,” he said. “She is at home going through a difficult time since the COVID-19 pandemic started.

“Then to absorb the impact that this situation has had and move forward with faith and strength.”

The investigation has since expanded into a case of possible money laundering.

Agencies