Ronaldo to lift lid on World Cup final controversy

Ronaldo is set to tell Brazilian congressional investigators whether the national team's sponsor, Nike, coerced him to play while injured in the 1998 World Cup final.

The striker, who postponed his testimony in November to continue treatment on his injured knee, is scheduled to appear on Wednesday before the congressional committee investigating soccer corruption, says Aldo Rebelo, who heads the inquiry.

Politicians want to know whether Nike, which sponsors Ronaldo and the Brazilian Soccer Confederation, insisted that he play in the match against France, hours after he had convulsions and was taken to hospital. Ronaldo played poorly and Brazil lost 3-0.

Nike and former team coach Mario Zagallo have steadfastly denied the accusations.

Mr Zagallo says Ronaldo begged him to play, assuring the coach he had been cleared by doctors. But the testimony of team doctor Lidio Toledo and striker Edmundo contradicted some of Mr Zagallo's statements, fuelling the controversy.

Ronaldo, FIFA's Player of the Year in 1996 and 1997, has struggled with knee problems since the Cup and has twice undergone surgery.