In a significant development, ex-Barcelona footballer Dani Alves is set to stand trial in Spain on charges of sexual assault, as confirmed on Tuesday. The 40-year-old Brazilian, who has also played for Sevilla and Paris Saint-Germain, is accused of sexually assaulting a woman in a Barcelona nightclub last December. Following his arrest in January and subsequent imprisonment, a Barcelona court has deemed there is sufficient grounds to proceed with a trial.
Alves, a former full-back, maintains that the encounter was consensual. However, if found guilty, he could face a prison sentence ranging from four to 15 years. The court released a document, signed by three judges, stating that the alleged victim’s statements, along with witness testimonies and expert reports, are deemed sufficient for trial, pending the plenary phase.
No specific date has been set for Dani Alves’ trial, leaving uncertainty about his future legal proceedings. Meanwhile, the former football star faces upcoming matches on the professional front, including CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers against Colombia and Brazil, as well as a La Liga clash between Rayo Vallecano and Barcelona. The football community awaits further developments in this legal matter, which adds a complex dimension to the player’s post-retirement journey.
