Dani Alves facing imprisonment after alleged sexual assault

Dani Alves arrested for rape and could face 12 years in prison

Dani Alves facing imprisonment after alleged sexual assault

Stephen Oladehinde 14:06 - 21.06.2023

Dani Alves could be facing up to 12 years in jail for a sexual assault that allegedly occurred in a nightclub in Barcelona.

Since January 20, the Brazilian has been detained after a 23-year-old lady accused him of sexually assaulting her in a bathroom at the renowned Sutton Club.

The defender, who has played for Barcelona, Juventus, and Paris Saint-Germain in the past, has had multiple requests to be released but were all denied.

The former Barcelona defender’s trial is scheduled to take place between October and November of this year and could face 12 years imprisonment if found guilty.

Former Barcelona defender Dani Alves
Former Barcelona defender Dani Alves

Dani Alves denied bail and trial date set

The 40-year-old has been denied bail by the court on several occasions because they fear he will leave the country immediately after he is released. 

According to Marca, there are worries that if Alves were released, he may leave the nation and return to his native Brazil, which doesn't extradite its residents.

A trial date has already been set for Alves' case, according to a new article from El Periodico. The exact times have not yet been verified in writing.

Alves could receive a sentence of six to twelve years if found guilty thanks to the Law on the Protection of Sexual Freedom, which took effect in October.

He had been held in January after returning to Spain from Mexico, where he was playing for UNAM Pumas, as a result of the passing of his wife, according to sources from the Daily Mail.

Evidence review on Alves rape case

Several pieces of evidence from the incident were found in the club but investigations are still ongoing on the alleged rape case.

Alves has acknowledged having an extramarital affair, but he denies any allegations of rape or sexual abuse.

According to Daily Mail’s report, it was revealed that the accuser had claimed she had been slapped across the face and raped in the restroom, it was initially reported that Alves had been accused of placing his hands down the woman's panties within the club.

El Periodico also reported that "Down to five judges, including the two investigating judges and three magistrates, have examined the evidence twice and come to the same decision."

According to reports, there are a number of indications that support the victim's claims and refute Alves' prior justifications. 

The victim left seven fingerprints, which the police discovered in the sink and cistern. The two comments made by the accuser are deemed to have been matched by a series of movements at the location that were suggested by footprints.

Alves denies rape accusation 

Alves asserted that he had never met his accuser in a TV interview before his arrest. He later revised his account, however, after being detained, asserting that there was no assault and that there had been agreement, and he is still maintaining his innocence. 

Following the refusal of bail, Alves said on the Cuatro show In Boca de Todos, “Only two people know what happened and above all what didn't happen.

“I am telling the truth. I think everyone understands that I tried to save my marriage and that's why I said what I said in the first place.

“That was the only motive and I have nothing to hide. There is talk of infinite versions and I have only testified twice before the judge.

“I have been in prison since January 20 and I have still not been tried. It will be proven that I am not guilty and it was a consensual relationship. It would never cross my mind to impose a sexual act on anyone.”