Photo: Reuters

Prosecutors in Brazil have requested the indictment of former international football player Edilson for involvement in a lottery fraud scheme, the BBC reports.

Edilson, 45, played in Brazil’s 2002 World Cup winning squad and for some of the country’s top clubs.

Investigators say he used his fame and prestige to persuade bank managers to cooperate with the scheme.

The gang produced false winning lottery tickets, which were validated by the managers.

The prize money was then paid into accounts set up by the gang.