Dani Alves, a former Barcelona, Brazil star, is set to stand trial in February on allegations of sexual assault.
The ex-Brazil international and Barcelona star denies claims made against him
Dani Alves is scheduled to stand trial in early February 2024 on sexual assault claims dating back to January of this year, which led to his detention by Barcelona police. The 40-year-old former Barcelona player and 126-cap Brazil international is currently incarcerated in Catalonia and has not played since his contract with Pumas UNAM in Mexico was terminated following his arrest. Alves rejects the claims, but he has modified his story and even acknowledged to “lying” to investigators at first. If found guilty, Alves faces at least nine years in prison.
What is Alves accused of?
Following Brazil’s elimination from the FIFA 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Alves returned to Spain with his wife Joana Sanz, spending time in the Canary Islands before departing for Barcelona on December 30. According to Spanish media accounts and Alves’ interview with La Vanguardia, he arrived in Barcelona, met a friend for dinner, ate, and then went to Sutton nightclub before returning to Mexico to rejoin Pumas. This is where the alleged sexual assault of a 23-year-old woman occurred in the early hours after Alves purchased champagne for the accused victim and her cousin – security footage obtained by Diari Ara shows the occurrence. The woman claims that the South American later compelled her to engage in nonconsensual sexual relations. The venue’s’sexual assault protocol’ was launched by Sutton personnel, as corroborated by Diari Ara’s security camera photos, and the claimed victim was later sent to hospital due to injuries to her left knee.
What is Alves’ position?
“I was in that place (Sutton), I was with more people enjoying it,” Alves said in a video message to Spanish TV station Antena 3. Everyone who knows me knows I enjoy dancing. Having fun, while not invading the space of others. I’ve never invaded someone’s personal space without their permission. How will I do it with a woman, or whatever girl she is? No, for the love of God. I’m sorry, but I have no idea who the lady is. I have no idea what her name is or who she is. I’d never seen her before. Enough is enough; they are causing harm, particularly to my people.”
When did Alves last play?
On January 8, Alves was playing for Pumas, and his legal representation called Catalan police (Mossos d’Esquadra) three days later. Five days later, on January 16, he returned to Barcelona with the authorization of the Mexican club, and four days later he was detained. Pumas stepped in and terminated Alves’ contract at this moment.
“We cannot allow a person’s behaviour to harm our work philosophy.” Leopoldo Silva, the club’s president, later said, “the club reiterates its commitment to not tolerate acts, by any member of the institution, whoever they may be, that violate the university spirit and values.”
What has happened since?
The alleged victim has refused any and all attempts at financial compensation and Alves’ account of events to the investigating judge was found to contradict what he himself had sent Antena 3 earlier. At this point, Alves was held in custody and denied freedom of movement as he was considered a flight risk owing to a lack of extradition agreement between Brazil and Spain. Alves has since testified, in April and then June, both with altered stories.
Where does the case stand?
Alves has been in jail for 11 months now and has had multiple bail requests denied. The trial was confirmed in mid-November although the date has only just been fixed over one month later. The trial will now take place from February 5 to 7 and Alves is facing a nine-year prison sentence from the public prosecutors on top of $162,000 in damages to the alleged victim. Her defense team is seeking a 12-year jail term.
