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RICARDO ROCHA has reportedly been arrested in a dramatic twist ahead of travelling to the USA for the World Cup.
The Brazilian World Cup winner was due in the tournament host nation to work as a pundit covering the football action.
Rocha, 63, was part of the iconic Brazil team that lifted the trophy in 1994 – the last time it was hosted in the USA.
This year’s edition is also being co-hosted by Canada and Mexico.
Local reports have claimed that the defensive rock was arrested on Wednesday morning in Rio de Janeiro.
The retired defender was set to board a flight to the USA at the Tom Jobim International Airport when he was taken into custody.
He was expected to be working at the tournament as a pundit.
It is believed that the civil arrest warrant was put out by the 16th Family Court of the District of Fortaleza, of the Court of Justice of the State of Ceara.
The reason is that he had allegedly accumulated a child support debt of R$2,414.57 (£347.94).
The arrest warrant is reportedly valid until April 2028 and states that after 45 days he must be released.
This is unless he commits no other impediments or a new arrest warrant in his name is issued.
Rocha picked up his World Cup winners’ medal in 1994 despite a disappointing tournament on a personal level.
He was only able to play 64 minutes after an injury ruled him out for the majority of the campaign.
The defender earned 38 caps for Selecao during his 17-year-long career.
At club level, he played the majority of his football in Brazil, but did have spells at Sporting Lisbon and Real Madrid.
