Dani Alves, a Brazilian soccer player, was accused of sexual assault in Spain on Friday.
At a hearing on Friday, the alleged victim said that Alves had touched and sexually assaulted her on December 30 in a nightclub toilet in Barcelona, according to ESPN.
Throughout a press session on Dec. 1 at the World Cup in Qatar, Dani Alves listens.
Throughout a press session on Dec. 1 at the World Cup in Qatar, Dani Alves listens. AP Photo/Andre Penner
After the hearing, during which the 39-year-old Alves and another witness gave testimony, he was ordered held without bail. His trial was not scheduled.
A sexual assault charge in Spain can refer to anything from unwelcome touching to rape. Alves is accused by the woman of doing both.
Alves’ most recent club, the Mexican team Pumas, released him after his arrest.
Club president Leopoldo Silva remarked, “This is an organization that encourages respect and the right, dignified, and professional behavior of its male and female players both on and off the field.” We won’t tolerate any behavior that contradicts our philosophy.
A police truck that is supposedly carrying Dani Alves is captured on camera by reporters on Friday outside a tribunal in Barcelona.
A police truck that is supposedly carrying Dani Alves is captured on camera by reporters on Friday outside a tribunal in Barcelona. (AP Photo/Joan Mateu Parra)
According to ESPN, the woman reported the crime to the authorities on January 2. Alves traveled from Mexico to Spain to face the charges.
Alves confessed being at the club in question, Sutton, on the night in question in a statement he made to Spanish TV station Antena 3 on Jan. 3, but he claimed he didn’t know the woman.
Alves claimed, “I was there having a nice time with other individuals. “Everyone who knows me is aware of my fondness for dancing. I was having fun, but I never entered anyone else’s personal space. I always show respect.
Alves rose to international fame between 2008 and 2016 while playing for illustrious Barcelona squads. He also represented the Brazilian national team in two Copa America championships and played for prestigious teams like Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain.