Prosecutors seek 9-year jail term for ex-Barcelona star over Rape

Former FC Barcelona defender and Brazilian football icon, Dani Alves, is facing a nine-year prison sentence as demanded by prosecutors in Spain over allegations of sexual assault.

The 40-year-old, regarded as one of Brazil’s most decorated players, has been embroiled in legal issues since earlier this year regarding charges linked to a reported sexual assault against a woman in a Barcelona nightclub in December.

Following his arrest earlier this year, Dani Alves, despite multiple bail applications, has remained incarcerated in Barcelona.

Reports indicated that the court denied him bail due to concerns that he might flee to Brazil, a country that does not extradite its citizens.

Initially refuting any sexual encounter with the accuser, Dani Alves later admitted to engaging in consensual relations with her. Spanish prosecutors, during his imprisonment, have urged the court to impose a restraining order on Alves and direct him to pay €150,000 in damages to the accuser.

The trial date for Alves, who represented Brazil in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, is yet to be scheduled by the Barcelona court amid ongoing legal proceedings.

The ramifications of this case have extended beyond legal repercussions. Mexican club UNAM terminated Dani Alves’ contract due to the sexual assault allegations, with suggestions of potential legal action against the footballer for breach of contract.

It’s important to note that sexual assault allegations in Spain fall under the general category under which rape allegations are investigated. Convictions for such offenses can lead to prison sentences ranging from four to fifteen years.