Pele’s son Edinho sentenced to 33 years in prison over money-laundering for Santos drug cartel....Edinho has served time before for drug offences before Brazil legend's son played for Santos in the 1990s Incident comes as a PR disaster ahead of this month's World Cup

PELE's son Edhino

Monday, June 02, 2014 | 4:20 PM    

SAO PAULO (AP) — A Brazilian judge has sentenced the son of soccer legend Pele to 33 years in prison after finding him guilty of laundering money for a drug gang.

Judge Suzana Pereira says Edson Cholbi do Nascimento must surrender his passport to the court this week. She says the 43-year-old man can remain free as he appeals.

PELE

Known as Edinho, Pele's son spent six months in prison in 2005 after being arrested with 50 others in the port city of Santos. He has denied the charges although he confessed to using drugs.

Edinho played as a goalkeeper and is now a coach for the Santos soccer club.

Considered the best soccer player ever, his father is in the spotlight as Brazil makes final preparations to host the World Cup in 10 days. Pele’s son admits to being a drug addict but protests his innocence surrounding any other charges. 

The 43-year-old – who has served time in jail for drug trafficking before – is a goalkeeping coach at Santos. 

He is expected to appeal the ruling according to Brazilian media.

Pele labelled his country a 'disgrace' last month for their poor planning ahead of the biggest show on earth. 

There have been a number of delays to the completion of some stadiums as well as widespread theft and corruption in the build-up to the tournament. 

'There has been significant time to get the stadiums finished. The situation is unacceptable – it is a disgrace. The political situation is difficult,' he said. 

‘Our team has nothing to do with the ongoing corruption that has delayed construction of the stadiums.