Brazilian footballer Pele's son arrested in Brazil post losing appeal in money laundering case

Brazilian football legend Pele's son has been arrested in Brazil after losing an appeal in a money laundering case involving a drug gang.

44-year-old Edson Cholbi do Nascimento, known as Edinho, had been convicted earlier this year and sentenced to 33 years in prison for laundering money for the gang.

The former goalkeeper had been allowed to remain free during the process, but a judge on Tuesday said that his appeal was rejected, Stuff.co.nz reported.

Edinho can appeal again to a higher court, but judge Suzana Pereira said in her ruling that this time he must remain in jail. His lawyers revealed that they would secure Edinho's immediate release.

Pele's press office said that the former player would not immediately comment on his son's arrest.