Dani Alves has been sentenced to four years and six months in prison after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a young woman in a Barcelona nightclub. The 40-year-old denied any wrongdoing during a trial that took place over three days this month. The decision can still be appealed.
The former Brazil international and Barcelona star was convicted of raping a woman in the restroom of a Barcelona nightclub on New Year’s Eve in 2022. He has been in custody since being arrested for the offense in January 2023.
Alves must also pay his victim 150,000 euros (£128,000) in compensation, as well as her court costs. However, he retains the right to appeal against his sentence.
Alves modified his version of events several times. He initially denied knowing the woman, then said she had only performed oral sex on him, and eventually admitted to full intercourse but claimed it was consensual.
According to the victim, she claimed Alves slapped her, insulted her, and forced her to have sexual relations against her will.
A statement from the Audiencia de Barcelona on Thursday read: “The Court of Barcelona has condemned footballer Dani Alves to four years and six months in prison for sexual assault. The victim must also receive 150,000 euros and have their legal costs paid. The sentence takes into consideration that it has been proven the victim did not consent and that there is evidence in addition to their testimony that proves the offense.”
Despite the evidence from the woman, Alves’ lawyer Inés Guardiola believes her client is innocent. She also told reporters outside the court that her legal team was going to appeal. “I still believe Alves is innocent,” she said, adding that her client was “coping well.”
Alves won numerous titles with elite clubs including Barcelona, Juventus, and Paris Saint-Germain. He also helped Brazil win two Copa Americas and an Olympic gold medal at age 38. However, he could not win the World Cup for Brazil despite featuring in three editions. He was with Mexican club Pumas when arrested, which terminated his contract immediately upon the charges.
Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Pius Asack|Ghana
