The legal saga surrounding former Barcelona star Dani Alves has taken a significant turn as he is now ordered to stand trial for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in a nightclub.
The 40-year-old, who has been in preventative custody since January, received the news at the prison near Barcelona.
Three judges at Barcelona’s Provincial Court concluded that there is sufficient evidence to proceed with the trial based on the statements of the alleged victim, witness testimonies, and expert reports.
The 23-year-old accuser claims she was sexually assaulted on December 30 of the previous year, an allegation vehemently denied by Alves, who asserts that the encounter was consensual.
State prosecutors and the alleged victim’s lawyer have five working days to present their indictments, detailing the potential prison sentence, fines, and compensation orders if Alves is found guilty.
The trial is expected to take place early next year, with reports suggesting a possible prison sentence of up to 15 years if convicted.
Alves, a father of two, was sacked by Mexican side UNAM Pumas following his arrest, and despite repeated bail requests, he has been denied release.
The judges cited the coherence of the alleged victim’s version of events and noted Alves’ changing statements as evidence emerged against him.
The legal proceedings have added a complex layer to the footballer’s personal and professional life, with the trial set to determine the outcome of these serious allegations.