A former Brazil national team footballer is facing jail over alleged unpaid child support.
Douglas dos Santos had a warrant issued against him yesterday (29 Sept).
The 43-year-old lawyers have confirmed they will appeal.
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Nicknamed “Maestro”, Douglas is reported to owe £3,667 (26,270.73 BRL) for his son.
The warrant, issued by a court in Porto Alegre, south west of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, orders him to serve 30 days in prison.
But he can dodge jail by paying the debt in full.
His lawyer, Christian Walker, said: “We are taking all appropriate legal measures to resolve the ongoing judicial matter.”
Douglas’ defence team added: “As this is a confidential case involving sensitive issues, it is expected that the matter will be handled with due respect and care, particularly with regard to the people involved.”
The former attacking midfielder earned a single cap for Brazil in 2010.
He came off the bench for 17 minutes in an international friendly against Argentina at Qatar’s Khalifa Stadium.
Brazil lost 1-0 after he lost possession in injury time, allowing Lionel Messi to score – and Douglas was never called up again.
Ronaldinho and Neymar were among his team-mates that day.
Retiring in 2020 at the age of 38, he had notable spells at Corinthians and Grêmio.
He lifted the 2013 FIFA Club World Cup, the 2011–12 Copa Libertadores, the 2012–13 Recopa Sudamericana, and the 2009 Brazilian Cup with Corinthians, plus the 2016 Brazilian Cup with Grêmio.
Douglas also had stints abroad with Çaykur Rizespor in Turkey’s Süper Lig and Al-Wasl in the UAE Pro League.
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