Mr Chinaglia won partly by vowing to defend Congress against its detractors.

ECONOMIST: A failed campaign to clean up a tarnished legislature

Mr Chinaglia is close to Mr Dirceu, who hopes to persuade Congress to pardon him and restore his right to run for office.

ECONOMIST: A failed campaign to clean up a tarnished legislature

And, back then, the NASL didn't just bring in foreign superstars but also bought numerous seasoned pros from overseas to support Pele, Cruyff, Chinaglia, Best and Beckenbauer.

CNN: Comment: Beckham deal 'wake-up call' for U.S. soccer league