Rio de Janeiro: Flamengo has threatened to sue Palmeiras for $160 million if Ronaldinho signs with the rival Brazilian club.

Flamengo officials claimed Friday they had evidence Palmeiras negotiated with the former Barcelona and AC Milan star before he sought a court injunction to end his contract with the Rio club.

Flamengo president Patricia Amorim wrote to Palmeiras accusing the club of inducing the termination of Ronaldinho's contract, considered a serious offence by Brazil's football confederation, Xinhua reported.

Palmeiras, managed by Brazil's 2002 World Cup-winning coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, angrily rejected the accusations.

"I vehemently refute this type of accusation because Palmeiras never negotiates with a player contracted to another club," Palmeiras' legal spokesman Piraci Oliveira said.

Ronaldinho, a two-time FIFA world player of the year, is suing Flamengo for $20 million for unpaid salaries and delayed payments. (IANS)