Brasilia, Aug 6 (IANS): Former Brazilian footballer Edilson da Silva, who was a member of the national team during the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan, has been arrested on charges of failing to pay court-ordered child support for one of his children,

According to authorities, da Silva was arrested on Saturday afternoon while on his way to a benefit game organised by other former players in Rio Negrinho, a small town in the southern state of Santa Catarina, the media said on Sunday, reports Efe.

The veteran player -- who, despite playing with Brazil for the better part of his sporting career, also had stints in Portugal's Benfica and Japan's Kashiwa -- was wanted for failing to pay 113,000 reais (some $30,500) due in child support.

Da Silva had been arrested on three occasions over the past four years.

Eduardo Pereira, the player's attorney, told the media that he has issued a petition for habeas corpus for his client, who he said was expected to be released over the next few days.

"His arrest is unwarranted," said Pereira, who assured that da Silva is negotiating the debt in court.