Pele’s son loses appeal, to be jailed 33 years

Edinho, the son of Brazilian soccer legend, Pele, has lost an appeal he launched against a money-laundering judgement in which he was sentenced to 33 years in prison. He was sentenced to 33 years in prison in June this year and he explored his option to appeal the judgment.

Edinho, (left), Pele, (right) ...Photo art: mohammedsemboja.me

Forty-four year old Edinho—full name Edson Cholbi do Nascimento—must now go to prison according to Judge Suzana Pereira who ruled on Wednesday. Edinho has been re-arested although he still has the option to appeal to reduce his sentence.

His father, Pele, is yet to comment

Edinho, a former Santos goalkeeper, was alleged to have been involved with a ring of criminals who made money through drug trafficking. In another instance back in 2005, he was arrested after allegedly becoming involved in a Santos drug ring but was freed in 2006.

According to Bleacher Report, ESPN and BBC quoted Edinho saying he has used drugs following his retirement from professional football, and has even referred to himself as a "drug addict."