Soccer Extreme : Botafogo midfielder Somalia, who is also known as Paulo Rogerio Reis da Silva, claimed he had been abducted at gunpoint on the way to training, BBC News reported.The player said he had been taken into a car at around 07:00 local time, before being driven around the city and having his money and jewellery stolen.
However, police in Rio de Janeiro noted that there were inconsistencies in the player's story and checked CCTV footage, which showed him leaving his apartment building at 09:00 - two hours later than usual.
It is thought that Somalia may have been trying to avoid the potential 40 per cent cut in wages that Botafogo threatens its players with for lateness. The alleged crime could land the midfielder in prison for up to six months if he is found guilty.
Botafogo is one of four major teams in Rio de Janeiro - the others being Fluminese, Vasco de Gama and Flamengo. (metro)