According to BBC sources, Dani Alves, a former football player for Barcelona and Brazil, was found guilty by a Spanish court on Thursday of sexually abusing a woman in a Barcelona nightclub.
Alves has been sentenced to four years and six months in prison.
Details to follow.
Dani Alves’ contract with the Mexican football team Pumas has been canceled after he was detained on Friday, January 20, on suspicion of sexual assault.
It was reported earlier that the former Barcelona full-back and veteran Brazil international was accused of allegedly putting his hands inside the underwear of a woman without her consent while she was dancing with friends and then following her into a toilet.
She is said to have informed security staff in the club, who activated Barcelona city council’s protocol against assaults and sexual harassment.
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39-year-old Alves appeared before a judge yesterday, who ordered that he be held in custody without bail.
Though he has denied the allegation against him, Liga MX side Pumas has reacted to the allegation by terminating his contract which was set to expire in July 2023.
This was announced by the club chairman Leopoldo Silva in a brief statement to the press on Friday evening.
The former former Sevilla and Barca legendary right back is reportedly in talks with Barcelona over a possible return to the Nou camp after he left 5 years ago.
The Brazilian who is presently a free agent revealed his willingness to play for Barcelona whenever he is needed, and he admits the team needs him and they can take advantage of his love for the club.
‘It would be taking advantage a bit to say now Barca need me. I left saying that when Barca needed and wanted me I would return regardless of where I was. There’s too much love, respect and care I have for this home. If Barca think they need me all they need to do is call. I believe I can add things wherever I go but at Barca now especially with the youngsters they have. We were young once and we weren’t prepared to defend a responsibility as big as defending Barca is, no matter how good they are or how much they are spoken about. It’s all new. You need a mix of young and old to give balance and the chance to fight for great things.’
Barcelona just appointed another returning legend Xavi Hernandez as their new coach after sacking Ronald Koeman.
Barca President Laporta revealed Dani Alves has helped the club in many ways and his direct relationship with former players like Carles Puyol means they will be available to help Xavi whenever he needs them.
He said: ‘Dani Alves helped the club in a number of ways – and he has offered us his help from a sporting point of view as well. Like with (former captain Carles) Puyol, there is a very direct relationship. They can help if Xavi needs it.’
