Ronaldinho and his brother, Roberto Assis, are to remain in pre-trial custody in Paraguay after trying to enter the country on fake passports.
Former Brazil star Ronaldinho Gaúcho and his brother are to remain in pre-trial detention in Paraguay after allegedly trying to enter the South American country using fake passports.
Ronaldinho and Roberto Assis, who had travelled to Paraguay on Wednesday to attend a charity event, appeared in court in the capital of Asunción on Saturday, and could be held for up to six months.
They were arrested on Friday, despite a prosecutor who believed they were tricked into taking the fake documents recommending they be released after receiving an alternative punishment, such as paying a fine to charity.
Ronaldinho and brother a flight risk, Paraguayan judge says
"This is a serious, punishable offence because he has threatened the interests of the Republic of Paraguay, the judge Clara Ruiz told reporters.
"There is a flight risk, he has no roots in the country, he entered illegally and is remaining illegally," Ruiz said of her refusal to release the pair into house arrest.
"That's why the court has decided that he must remain in custody."
Lawyer says star "stupid" for not realising documents were fake
Speaking to the Brazilian newspaper Folha de São Paulo, Ronaldinho's lawyer, Adolfo Marín, said: "The court doesn't believe that he didn't know he was committing a crime as he didn't understand he'd been given false documents; he's stupid."