Former Colombia international Rincon released from prison

SAO PAULO, Sep 14 (Reuters) Former Colombia international Freddy Rincon, facing an extradition request from Panama, has been released from prison in Brazil, a federal police spokesmansaid today.

Rincon, who played in three World Cups for his country, was granted the right to await the hearing at liberty by Brazil's top court, the Supreme Federal Tribunal.

He will have to surrender his passport and could not leave Sao Paulo, where he lives, without judicial authorisation, the spokesman said.

Rincon, wanted in Panama on money-laundering charges, had been held at the federal police's Sao Paulo headquarters since May.

Rincon, a lanky midfielder with a surprisingly deft touch, played for Brazilian clubs Corinthians and Palmeiras, Napoli and Real Madrid.

He captained the Corinthians team which won FIFA's inaugural Club World Cup in 2000.

Rincon, 41, has been trying to break into coaching and had a brief spell earlier this year with provincial club Sao Bento.

Results were generally modest but included a shock 2-0 win away to Santos in the Paulista championship.

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